How Do You 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. Send it Back Step 1 Check to see if your smoke detector is radioactive. The detector will be specifically labelled if it contains radioactive material. Step 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. Step 3 Take the detector off the wall. The mounting bracket should
