Disposal of Smoke Detectors

At one point in time most smoke detectors were considered hazardous waste and were required to be returned to the manufacturer.  This was because the smoke detectors used a small amount of americium dioxide (AmO2), a radioactive material. 

Since then further study has been done and the conclusion has been reached by most governments around the world that they may be safely discarded as normal garbage.  (Please check your local jurisdiction.)  The radiation dose is very small, much less than that of the natural background radiation due to radon or cosmic rays.

It is certainly less costly to dispose with other garbage.  In doing so there will be less climate change impact considering transport to and handling/disposal by the hazardous waste depot. 

Despite the relaxed disposal requirements there are some handling concerns you should be aware of:

• Do not open or crush the smoke detector. Doing so could result in a health risk. One of the reasons why the detector is safe is that the radioactive material is bound in a metal foil within the detector;
• Do not save spent or old detectors within your house.  Dispose of them in your garbage after being removed from your ceiling or wall.  (again check your local laws);
• Do not dispose of multiple smoke detectors at the same time.  This could result in a concentration of radioactive material and a hazardous waste condition;
• If involved with recycling programs, do not separate smoke detectors from other waste.  If you must do so then make sure the detectors are taken to a hazardous waste facility or returned to the manufacturer.

Comments

[Armando]

Thank you for your notice this. Smoke detectors that are not used, stored neatly in my house.
I am puzzled how to dispose of it. But with the information of you this I can understand about the waste of this smoke detector.