Town of Plymouth Residential Smoke Detector Recycling Program

Residential smoke detectors are common household items.  There are two types of smoke detectors, and both use different technologies to detect smoke.  Ionization smoke detectors use a small radioactive source (Americium-241) as a key component in detecting smoke particles, while photoelectric smoke detectors use a light and sensor to detect smoke.  Given that a small amount of radioactive material is found in many residential smoke detectors, the Department of Public Works is starting a new recycling program that will accept ionization smoke detectors.  To keep trace radioactive materials out of the environment, DO NOT dispose of smoke detectors in the orange trash bags that you bring to the Manomet Transfer Station for disposal.  Instead, bring the used smoke detector to the Manomet Transfer Station and an attendant will accept it- at no cost to you- to be recycled.   

For more information about this policy or about how to handle residential smoke detectors when they are ready to be disposed of please call Greg Smith, Solid Waste Manager, at 508-830-4162x100 or gsmith@townhall.plymouth.ma.us