Dispose of old smoke detectors
Smoke detectors save lives – but they also have an expiry date. They should be replaced after 10 years at the latest, as the sensors lose sensitivity over time. But what to do with the old devices? It's simple: smoke detectors are classified as electronic waste and must not be disposed of in household waste.
In most cases, the battery must first be removed and disposed of separately before disposal – even if it is a permanently installed lithium battery. This is then disposed of in the appropriate battery collection containers in shops or at the recycling centre.
Special regulations for ionisation smoke detectors
Some older smoke detectors – especially models from the 1980s and 1990s – use a radioactive source (often americium-241) to detect smoke particles. Although these so-called ionisation smoke detectors have not been sold in Germany for a long time, they may still be found in stock.
Such devices must not simply be disposed of at normal electronic waste collection points. Instead, there are special collection points or return procedures. Manufacturers or importers often take these devices back free of charge. Waste disposal companies that specialise in radioactive materials can also help.
If you are unsure whether you have an ionisation smoke detector, check the back for labels such as ‘Radioactive’ or the radiation warning symbol.
Where can you hand in smoke detectors?
Disposal is usually carried out via:
- recycling centres: Dispose of it in the small electrical appliance recycling area (without batteries).
- electrical goods retailer : They take back old appliances free of charge.
- manufacturers: Particularly relevant for devices with radioactivity
- specialised waste disposal companies e.g. for service providers such as Techem, housing associations or property management companies that exchange large quantities
Dispose safely and legally with RETRON
For service providers and companies that regularly replace large numbers of smoke detectors, a secure, legally compliant and documented disposal system is crucial. With the RETRON BOX, old smoke detectors – including lithium batteries – can be professionally collected, stored and transported. RETRON takes care of the prescribed special disposal process for ionisation smoke detectors.
This ensures that neither hazardous substances nor valuable resources end up in the environment in an uncontrolled manner.
