How to Dispose of a Broken Smoke Detector
- 1). Remove the batteries from your broken smoke detector and put them aside. Leave the rest of the smoke detector intact.
- 2). Locate the name and address of the smoke detector's manufacturer on its original box, the user's manual or product warranty.
- 3). Wrap the smoke detector in protective paper, such as newspaper or bubble wrap. Place the smoke detector inside a small box and seal it with strong tape. Address the box to the smoke detector's manufacturer.
- 4). Send the broken smoke detector to the manufacturer using a service such as UPS Ground. Do not return the smoke detector by airmail. Smoke detector companies are required by law to accept returned radioactive smoke detectors for hazardous waste disposal.
- 5). Look for a local Household Hazardous Waste drop-off location in your area if you are unable to return the broken smoke detector to the manufacturer. Call your state's Radiation Control Program and ask when they are having their next collection of smoke detectors.
