Every Spring we turn our clocks forward for Daylight Savings but why not look forward to ensuring a hazard-free household by checking our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well? Regularly checking both devices can help create a safe household. You can make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly by testing your devices monthly and replacing dead batteries when needed. Remember to recycle any dead batteries in your household by taking them to one of the County’s four Household Hazardous Waste Collection (HHW) Centers.
But what if I need to dispose of my smoke detector? It depends on what type of smoke detector you have. There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization-based. Checking the product description can help in identify which type of smoke detector you have. Photoelectric smoke detectors can be thrown in the trash after removing any batteries. Ionization-based smoke detectors however contain radioactive materials and do not belong in the trash. The County’s HHW Centers also accept smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
For more information, please visit our website. Make sure to follow us on social media as well @OCWaste for recycling and waste management tips.
