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Smoke Detector, Ionization
Household Hazardous Waste – Special Handling Required
Do not place in curbside trash or recycle bins. Drop off ionization type smoke detectors, free of charge, at a Transfer Station’s Household Hazardous Waste site.
Smoke detectors typically fall within two categories: photoelectric and ionization. Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of Americium 241, a radioactive isotope. When in use, these detectors are perfectly safe, as the radioactive material is shielded by a metal chamber inside the device. If dismantled, however, the radioactive material can become exposed. For this reason, you should never try to take apart an old ionization detector.
To dispose of photoelectric smoke detectors remove the battery and place in the curbside trash.
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