When smoke detectors in the home need to be replaced, don’t toss the old safety devices into the trash: Recycle them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the majority of smoke detectors in the U.S. contain a minute amount of americium-241, a radioactive element that can take 432 years to decompose safely in the ground. First Alert, the leading manufacturer of all types of detectors, will recycle old ones free of charge. Get an account number by calling toll-free, 800-323-9005, and be sure to write “FOR DISPOSAL ONLY” clearly on the packaging when sending in your detectors. First Alert will recycle the plastic and remove the radioactive material for safe disposal.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION