Radioactive Material Waste Management

Solid Dry Waste normally consists of absorbent pads, gloves, disposable labware, pipettes and other similar items contaminated with radioactive material. Solid dry waste must not contain liquids, sharps, lead pigs, scintillation vials (even empty vials), chemicals, or biologicals. Waste will be segregated by half-life; < 30 days, >30 to 60 days, >60 to 90 days, >90 days, and transuranics. If more than one waste category exists in a laboratory, the waste containers will be marked as to which radionuclides are to be placed into each specific container. Compliance with such markings is essential. Careful consideration should be given to external dose rates created by gamma and high energy beta emitters placed into waste storage containers. It may be necessary to shield the material or make arrangements with the Radiation Safety Office for immediate pick-up.

Important Items:

1. No liquids allowed. No liquids of any kind shall be placed in dry waste containers. All vials that contained liquids will be emptied and placed into solid dry waste with no lids attached.

2. No lead items. All lead shall be removed from dry waste and stored separately for pick-up.

3. No broken glass, loose needles or unprotected sharps. Such materials should be placed in a separate plastic container and stored separately for pick-up.

4. No flammable, pyrophoric or water reactive materials.

5. No biological material.

6. No viable pathogenic or infectious agents.

7. No organic solvent contaminated items or items capable of generating toxic gases, vapors or fumes.

8. Waste must contain less than 0.1% by weight chelating agents.

9. All waste containers must have an indication of radionuclide and estimated activity.

Radioactive Material Waste Management

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