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Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, CO2 alarms

Glossary
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, combination smoke and CO alarms are managed through the province-wide Product Care Recycling stewardship program. The program accepts used or expired alarms. A full list of what is accepted and free depot locations is available on their website.

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle | Facilities

How do I go green?

Smoke and CO alarms should be in every home. Reduction does not apply to these items.

Given the requirement that smoke and CO alarms be certified for safety purposes and the absolute importance they function properly in the case of an emergency, the repair or reuse of returned smoke or CO alarms is not considered viable.

Not all facilities listed below are part of the provincial program and may charge a fee for drop off. Contact facilities directly regarding restrictions and charges.

Facilities

  • Esquimalt Return-It

    935 Ellery
    Victoria
    250.381.1482

  • GFL Environmental (formerly Alpine, and Terrapure Environmental)

    1045 Dunford Avenue
    Victoria
    250.474.5145

  • Hartland Depot

    1 Hartland Avenue
    Victoria
    250.360.3030

  • London Drugs (Harris Green)

    911 Yates St.
    Victoria
    250.360.0880

  • London Drugs (Tillicum Centre)

    3170 Tillicum Rd
    Victoria
    250.360.2654

  • Oak Bay Public Works Yard (Oak Bay residents only)

    1771 Elgin Road
    Oak Bay
    250.598.4501

  • Pender Island Recycling Depot

    4400 Otter Bay Road
    Pender Island
    250.629.6962

  • Salt Spring Island Recycling Depot

    349 Rainbow Road
    Salt Spring Island
    250.537.1200

  • Serenity on Saturna

    103 East Point Road
    Saturna Island
    250.539.3385

  • Sidney Return-It

    5-10025 Galaran Road
    Sidney
    778.351.2828

    • The Environmental Story

    While the principal purpose of smoke and CO alarms is safety, the industry has taken into account environmental considerations. Efforts have been made by the smoke and CO alarm industry to reduce the environmental impact of their products. Ionization foil stamping technology ensures less waste and precious metals are produced in this stage of the manufacturing process. The amount of plastic and other materials in a typical smoke alarm has also decreased substantially while the use of recycled materials in product packaging has increased. Finally, there is a general trend in the industry away from 9 volt towards 3 volt alarms to reduce the number of batteries required for product operation.

    Did You Know?

    The BC Fire Code was amended in March of 2010 to require smoke alarms in all dwelling units, including private homes.
    It is recommend we replace smoke alarms after ten years and CO alarms after five to seven years, due to the build-up of dust and other contaminants on the alarm sensor. Since 2007, manufacturers have been required to place a sticker on their products reminding consumers when their alarms should be replaced.
    Radiation: The amount of radiation in close proximity to an intact and approved ionization smoke alarm is less than other consumer products such as colour televisions.