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THE ORCBS > Hazardous Waste > Programs & Guidelines > Waste Disposal Guide >  Radioactive
Waste
The ORCBS provides radioactive waste pick-up and disposal services for all University units. Typically, individual units collect radioactive wastes in the ORCBS supplied containers, label the material with the yellow radioactive waste pick-up tag (Appendix D), provide secondary packing if necessary and submit the on-line pickup request form on the ORCBS web site (Appendix E). A. General Labeling and Packaging Procedures Attach a yellow radioactive waste tag (Appendix D) to each container of radioactive waste. Tags are available at the ORCBS. Any material considered radioactive waste must bear a completed radioactive waste pick-up tag. Enter the isotope information on the front of the radioactive waste tag and the chemical form and concentration on the back of the tag. A complete description of the chemical contents as well as the radioactive content is needed. For mixtures or solutions, the identity and amount (percent, molarity, ppm, etc.) of all constituents must be included. Fill out waste tags as material is added to the containers. Prior to the pick-up, total the quantity of radioisotope in millicuries and record this information on the tag. Any radioactive waste that also meets the definition of a hazardous chemical waste (page 5) must be managed as a mixed waste, according to the requirements of both the radioactive and chemical constituents. This includes labeling the container with the words "Hazardous Waste" and a maximum accumulation time of 90 days. Most radioactive waste does not meet the mixed waste criterion; however, wastes which are flammable, corrosive, or toxic fall into this category (e.g., scintillation vials). Contact a Health Physicist at the ORCBS (355-0153) if you are unsure of your waste category. B. Specific Labeling and Packaging Procedures Radioactive Liquid Waste Use separate carboys for each isotope. 3H and 14C are the only exceptions and can be mixed together in a single carboy. Use separate carboys for aqueous and nonaqueous solutions. Liquid waste containers must have secondary containment, such as a plastic bus tray, to contain leaks or spills. To the best of your ability, and in accordance with waste minimization requirements, adjust the pH of aqueous wastes to between 5.5 and 10.0. Neutralization of corrosive liquids greatly reduces disposal costs and risks. Radioactive Solid Waste Collect contaminated gloves, paper, glassware, etc. in cardboard boxes lined with two plastic bags. Do NOT put liquids into the solid waste container. Use different containers for each isotope. 3H and 14C are the only exceptions and can be mixed together in a single container. Do NOT overfill boxes and do NOT exceed 20 pounds total weight per box. Do NOT put syringes, needles or broken glass into cardboard boxes. Sharps containers are available at General Stores. Be careful not to over or underestimate the activity of solid waste. This waste may be stored in drums for decay and storage space is limited. Refer to the Radiation Safety Manual for guidance on waste quantification methods. Radioactive Scintillation Vials Place used vials in the original trays and in the original box. Tape the box shut and attach a waste tag. If no boxes are available, trays may be taped together in sets of 5 or less. If you wish to reuse your vials, empty the liquid into a separate radioactive waste carboy. Do NOT mix flammable scintillation fluid with other aqueous wastes. Animal Wastes Contaminated with Radioisotopes Animal waste, including carcasses or other biological or pathological wastes contaminated with radioisotopes will be picked up by the ORCBS. Animal carcasses should be double-bagged using opaque, 4-6 mil plastic bags. Bags are available at General Stores in various sizes. A properly completed radioactive waste pick-up tag must be attached. Iodination (Unbound 125I2) Waste Handle all iodination waste material in a fume hood. Waste from iodinations present an increased health hazard due to the presence of volatile iodine which, if inhaled, will bioaccumulate in the thyroid glands. Store iodination waste in the back of a chemical fume hood in tightly closed containers. Place solid iodination waste in double plastic bags immediately after generation. Collect contaminated needles and place the syringe, with needle intact, in a small leak proof and puncture resistant container which can be sealed (such as a plastic bottle or glass jar). Place this sealed container in the double plastic bag with other solid iodination waste. Collect liquid iodination waste in a disposable plastic bottle and keep the bottle tightly closed. NEVER mix liquid iodination waste with other radioactive waste. NEVER mix waste that contains volatile iodine with 125I waste that does not. Label all iodination waste as “Free Iodine” in the chemical section (back side) of the radioactive waste tag. Also, please note on pick-up requests that the waste is free iodine. Radioactive Waste Requiring Shielding Shield 32P waste with Plexiglass. DO NOT use metal waste containers for 32P waste unless the metal container is also shielded with Plexiglass. Shield high energy gamma waste with enough lead to prevent potential exposures. Dispose of high activity radioisotope waste as soon as possible. |
