How to Dispose of Smoke Alarms in Missouri

The most common type of smoke alarm contains a small amount of Americium inside a metal chamber. If inhaled, Americium can be hazardous to your health. Otherwise, the amount used in smoke detectors is small enough that it does not pose a significant risk, especially if you take care not to break or crush your smoke detector. Proper disposal of smoke alarms ensures there is no risk. The Environmental Protection Agency also encourages consumers to recycle smoke alarms to minimize waste in landfills.

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the batteries from your smoke alarm.
- 2
  Contact the manufacturer of your smoke alarm to ask if you can return it to the manufacturer for disposal. Many manufacturers will take them back. See the link in the Resources section, compiled by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, for a list of addresses and telephone numbers.
- 3
  Drop off your smoke alarm at an electronics recycling center if you cannot return it to the manufacturer for any reason. See the link in the Resources section for a list of electronics recycling centers in Missouri.
- 4
  Dispose of your smoke alarm in the trash if the manufacturer will not take it back and you cannot take it to an electronics recycling center for some reason. It is not illegal to throw smoke alarms in the trash in Missouri, although the Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends recycling them if possible. Do not break, crush or otherwise damage your smoke alarm before throwing it away.
- 5
  Recycle the batteries that you removed from your smoke alarm. To find a recycling center that accepts batteries in Missouri, visit the Call 2 Recycle website (see the link in the Resources section) and enter your zip code.

How Often Do Fire Alarm System Batteries Need Replacing?

How Many Smoke Detectors Are Required in a Home?

Smoke Detectors