Pierce County Recycling Smoke Detectors
Most smoke detectors contain a small amount of Americium 241, a radioactive material. On the wall, a smoke detector is safe but if broken open in a landfill, it can pose a health threat. All detectors that have radioactive components must be labeled as such. The companies that manufacture detectors accept returned units for disposal as hazardous waste.
The majority of smoke detectors sold in the United States are made by First Alert. Their address for returning detectors is:
First Alert, Radioactive Waste Disposal
780 McClure Rd., Aurora, IL 60504-2495
(1-800-323-9005)
Most other smoke detectors are made by a Canadian company called American Sensors.
You may reach them by calling:
1-800-387-4219
Solid Waste / Recycling Main Page