Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are several different types of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the market. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material (Americium-241) for detecting smoke particles. These devices need to be disposed in a safe manner.

Do not dismantle smoke detectors.

Do not remove the radioactive material.

Management options:

• Contact the manufacturer or distributor to ask about returning the smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector.
• Ask your local transfer station or household hazardous waste provider if they accept smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fact Sheet HHW-1: Smoke Detectors and Proper Disposal Methods

Questions?

Households and municipalities should contact the NHDES HHW Program via email hhw@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2047. Learn more about hazardous waste.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.