Brooks, originally a family-owned and operated Australian company established in 1973, was acquired by the Irish-based comapny Ei Electronics in late 2022. With a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, we remain committed to providing quality, reliable products to safeguard you and your family.
- 5 June 2026
World Environment Day
This World Environment Day (5 June), we are reminded that every choice counts. From reducing waste to making smarter, more sustainable decisions at home, small actions add up to a healthier planet.
In practicing sustainability, we must be conscious that even small household items – like smoke alarms – need to be disposed of thoughtfully to protect our environment.
Smoke alarms can contain electronic components and, in some cases, radioactive material (in Ionisation alarms), which means proper disposal is essential.
Remember – Smoke alarms have a service life of 10 years under normal operating conditions, after which time, they are required to be replaced. Always remove loose or replaceable batteries before disposal and take to dedicated recycling drop-offs.
Across Australia, each state and territory have different rules and regulations regarding safe disposal of smoke alarms – check your state below to learn about your smoke alarm disposal methods.
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NSW
For a more sustainable option, you can drop off old smoke alarms for free at a Household Chemical CleanOut event. These convenient drive-through events are held on selected weekends throughout the year. Alternatively, you can take them to a Community Recycling Centre—permanent drop-off locations that are open year-round. -
VIC
When replacing or removing a smoke alarm, dispose of it as a complete unit in your general household waste. For safety reasons, never dismantle smoke detectors before disposal. -
QLD
Small numbers of smoke alarms can go in your general waste bin. For a more sustainable option, consider dropping them off at facilities like the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre. -
SA
If your smoke alarm contains removable batteries, always take them out first and recycle them through a local battery recycling program. This also applies to hard-wired alarms with backup batteries. -
WA
You can place individual or small numbers of smoke alarms in your regular household rubbish. Where possible, removing and recycling batteries is encouraged. -
TAS
Remove the battery before disposal and place the alarm in general waste. For ionisation alarms, you can dispose of up to two at a time this way. If you have more than two, take them to a Community Recycling Centre or waste transfer station. -
NT
Household smoke alarms can generally go in your regular rubbish. If battery-powered, remove and dispose of the batteries separately. Ionisation alarms should never be dismantled—place them in the bin intact. -
ACT
Smoke alarms cannot be disposed of in household bins. Instead, remove the batteries and drop the unit off at a designated facility such as the Mugga Lane or Mitchell Resource Management Centres.
A Greener Approach
No matter where you live, a few simple steps can make a big difference
- Always remove and recycle batteries where possible
- Never dismantle smoke alarms, especially Ionisation models
- Use designated recycling centres if available in your area
By disposing of smoke alarms correctly, you’re helping reduce hazardous waste and supporting a cleaner, safer environment - one small action that contributes to a much bigger impact, this World Environment Day.
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