How to Dispose of Smoke Detectors With Radioactive Material
Some smoke detectors include a tiny amount of radioactive material known as Americium 241. It is shielded within the smoke detector and emits less radiation than that which is normally found in the environment. However, when disposing of a smoke detector, the radioactive material can become hazardous if placed in a landfill or incinerated. Nuclear regulatory law 10 CFR 32.27 requires manufacturers of smoke detectors to accept return of smoke detectors for proper disposal in a nuclear waste facility. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Send it Back
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1
Check to see if your smoke detector is radioactive. The detector will be specifically labelled if it contains radioactive material.
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2
Identify the manufacturer of the smoke detector. If possible, contact the manufacturer for the address and directions to send back the smoke detector. A partial list of manufacturers and their addresses can be found at mcmua.com/hazardouswaste/FAQ_Smoke_Detectors.htm.
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3
Take the detector off the wall. The mounting bracket should be disposed of in normal household trash.
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4
Remove the cover and take out the battery. The battery should be disposed of in hazardous waste at your local dump or recycling facility.
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5
Package the detector. Do not take the detector apart to find the radioactive component. It is carefully shielded. Wrap the detector in newspaper or other packing material or just place it in the box. Put a note in the box requesting that the detector be disposed of in a nuclear waste facility. Tape the box securely.
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Mail the box. Use UPS ground service to deliver the detector to the manufacturer. Do not use airmail. If you can't find the address of the manufacturer, dispose of the detector in normal household trash. Remove the battery and dispose of it in hazardous waste at your local dump, collection or recycling facility.
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