Calgary disposal answer
Smoke detectors: special drop-off
Special handling
Take old or expired smoke detectors to a City Eco Centre, free of charge. Fire-station HHW depots do not accept them, and they do not belong in carts.
How to prepare it
- Use the Spyhill, East Calgary or Shepard Eco Centre; all three take smoke detectors.
- Bring them on their own or with other free items, because adding regular garbage means you pay for the whole load.
- Stop at the scalehouse when you arrive; every vehicle is weighed in and out, even with free items only.
- Carbon monoxide detectors follow the same rule: free drop-off at an Eco Centre.
Good to know
The City groups smoke detectors with mercury-containing items such as thermometers and manual-dial thermostats, which only Eco Centres accept, so a trip to a fire-station depot will not work. Like other household hazardous waste, they should stay out of the blue, green and black carts. Packaging from a replacement detector can go in the blue cart.
Similar items
Where to drop it off
City Eco Centres at the Spyhill, Shepard and East Calgary landfills accept many items for free. Check today’s hours before you go.