Recycling centers that accept: Smoke Detectors

There are two types of smoke detectors, and each must be disposed of differently. The first type are photoelectric smoke detectors and are not considered to be hazardous waste. However, the majority of smoke detectors are not photoelectric. Most are ionization smoke detectors and contain a small amount of a radioactive isotope called Americium 241. The backs of these smoke detectors will have a specific warning label. Please check the back of your smoke detector to determine which type it is, then dispose of it properly by using the information below.

PHOTOELECTRIC/ NON-HAZARDOUS
Please be certain that the smoke detector has no radioactive warning on the back before disposing of it in this manner.
DISPOSE OF
Remove the battery from the smoke detector and dispose of it with your regular garbage.

IONIZATION
These smoke detectors are perfectly safe during home use because all of the radioactive material is shielded by a metal chamber within the device. However, DO NOT dismantle an ionization smoke detector because you may expose the radioactive material.
RECYCLE
The center below is the only known company in the US that will recycle ionization smoke detectors. Some fees may be involved.

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Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM)

For styrofoam, will accept all forms except packing peanuts. Must be clean, no food stains. Some fees may apply, check website for details.
Accepts all types of batteries – no charge.

1110 Hill Street SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30315
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Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-3:00pm Materials Accepted: Aluminum Cans, Appliances, Batteries - Automotive, Marine and Motorsport, Batteries - Rechargeable (cell phone/ camera/ tool/ lithium ion/ ni-cad), Bicycles, Books, Cardboard, Clothing, Copper, Electronics - Small Office (laptops / desktop printers / desktop fax machines), Fluorescent Compact Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Glass Bottles and Jars, Ink Cartridges (inkjet printer), Mattresses, Metals- ferrous (most metals with iron or steel), Paint, Plastic - Non-Bottle Containers (cooking oil / peanut butter containers), Plastic Bags- ALL, Plastic Bottles, Propane Tanks, Refrigerator, Smoke Detectors, Styrofoam® - EPS Foam, Television Sets, Tires - Used, Toilets, Wine Corks

Curie Environmental Services (Ionization Smoke Detectors)

This company allows you to mail in old ionized smoke detectors using a prepaid shipping label or by purchasing specifically designed shipping containers. For more information please visit the website below.

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Phone: 505-888-9392 Materials Accepted: Smoke Detectors