Question reference: S6W-04275
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 8 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 23 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government where old smoke alarms should be safely disposed of, in light of reports that local authority recycling centres are not accepting them.
Answer
All alarms have a limited lifespan of around ten years due to deterioration of the sensors over time. Where alarms are expired, or no longer fit for purpose, it is recommended they are disposed of appropriately either by returning to the retailer or taken to a local authority household waste recycling centre.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) previously published advice on the Management of end-of-life smoke detectors, including advice for businesses and households on safe disposal and promoting the environmentally sound management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) devices.
I am aware of ongoing discussions between industry and Scottish local authorities regarding recycling options of end-of-life smoke alarms as part of Household Waste Recycling Centre provision.
SEPA continue to engage with the WEEE sector and other UK Environment Agencies on this matter.