When to Toss It Out Video  Good Housekeeping has advice on when
to replace your smoke alarm and fire extinguisher - Plus what to
do with old eyeglasses and batteries   Nothing lasts forever.
But do you know when it's time to toss some common household
items? Take smoke detectors. Even though you've replaced the
batteries once a year, a smoke alarm wears out over time. </p>
<p>The contacts become corroded, the components can wear out.
So, we're recommending at the Good Housekeeping Institute that
any smoke detector that's older than 10 years from the date of
purchase should be discarded and replaced with one that's
properly working. In order to throw these out properly, make
sure you take them to a hazardous waste center near you. </p>
<p>A fire extinguisher that's never been used will become
unreliable over time. Good Housekeeping says, after 12 years
from the manufacture date, get rid of it at a household
hazardous waste center. And if your prescription changes on your
eyeglasses- </p> <p>Bring them in to an