According to this site...
http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/FAQ/SmokeAlarms/OFM_FAQ_S...
"What is the proper way for me to dispose of my old smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms from households, containing not more than 185 kilobequerels (kBq) or 5 microcurries (uCi) of americium 241, are classified as domestic waste. A typical smoke alarm contains approximately 33.3 kBq (0.9 uCi) of americium 241. Homeowners should dispose of smoke alarms that are at the end of their useful life with their regular waste. This is in line with the provisions of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations and the Ministry of the Environment’s Regulation 347 General – Waste Management. If household smoke alarms are collected in larger amounts or contain radium (this will be indicated on the smoke alarm) contact the CNSC at 1-800-668-5284 to determine the proper disposal procedure. At this time, the Office of the Fire Marshal is not aware of any take back programs, but certain manufacturers may take back individual smoke alarms."
This seems consistent with what others have said.
I know that Rona accepts some products for recycling, such as CFL bulbs. I couldn't find any information on their web site, but it might be worth a phone call to see if they'll take them. If not, I guess your best option is just tossing them in the garbage, as unappealing as that may seem.
Gilbert
On 17/12/2014 3:31 PM, Trevor Cordes wrote:
OK, completely 100% off-topic, not even remotely unix related. But where else can I get the ear of a bunch of Winnipeggers?
Where the @#%^@ do I recycle fire alarms? E-waste won't take it because it contains hazardous material. Nothing on the City of Winnipeg site mentions fire alarms, even in their search function. Google doesn't know. The normal liquid-hazardous-waste place doesn't list them as acceptable.
So what does one do with these things that contain radioactive material? Next step: garbage, as I'm sure 99.9% of Winnipeggers do.