What to Do With Radioactive Waste
Dry Compactible Radioactive Wastes
Solid wastes containing no hazardous, toxic, putrescible or pyrophoric materials, no compressed gases and no free liquids are collected and handled as compactible dry waste. The user must provide a covered metal garbage can of an appropriate size (no larger than 25 gallons); the RSO provides labels and plastic bag liners. Any solid wastes that would be dangerous if compacted must be segregated and clearly labeled. Syringes, needles, pipets, etc. must be placed in standard "sharps" or other puncture-proof containers. Wastes containing only nuclides with half-lives of less than 120 days and no "RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" labels shall be packaged separately to be disposed of by radioactive decay. As materials are added to a container, the isotopes and activities should be recorded on a "DISPOSAL LOG" (RPR 13D) or the "RADIOISOTOPE DISPOSITION RECORD" (RPR 13C).
The Radiological Health Department has very limited space for storage of animal wastes. The user generating animal wastes must provide sufficient freezer space for storage of such wastes for at least one month before collection. Notify the RSO when animal wastes are awaiting collection; the RSO will make arrangements for picking up the waste on the day that incineration is scheduled.
Animal carcasses and body parts to be picked up and stored by the RSO any time prior to the day of incineration are to be packaged and frozen for extended storage. Large animals should be dismembered so that each package contains no more than 10 kg. No other material, e.g. plastic containers, glassware, syringes, needles, etc. may be packaged with animal waste. Combustible bedding materials, e.g. shavings or sawdust, may be collected in plastic bags or cardboard cartons provided they are tight and sturdy and will not leak during handling.
