Radioactive Waste

The radioactive waste program at LLU/LLUMC requires your cooperation if the large amounts of waste generated are to be handled in a way that is not only safe, but also cost-effective. Our waste management program is based on regulations related to waste disposal and the resources available at the University/Medical Center. Specific resources and considerations include: l) A radwaste decay facility used to hold radioactive liquid, solid and/or biological waste until the radioactive material(s) have decayed to levels that will allow disposal as non-radioactive waste. To allow effective use of this facility, waste must be segregated according to half-life before pick-up; 2) A waste compaction unit is used to compact dry solid waste into 55-gallon drums prior to shipment for permanent disposal. Liquids must not be mixed with solid waste; 3) Liquid waste requires accurate identification since the method chosen for disposal is dependent on many factors.

Specific requirements related to radioactive waste include:

1. All radioactive waste must be transferred to the Office of Radiation Safety for disposal. This means that no radioactive material can be placed with the regular trash or poured down the drain.
2. For waste pick-up, call extension 58149 and leave a message (name, extension, location, and items to be picked up).
3. Segregate waste according to half-life (long half life is greater than 90 days, short half life is less than 90 days) and in the following general categories:
   1. Dry Solids - All dry, solid waste must be placed in containers provided by the Office of Radiation Safety. Absolutely no liquids must be included with the dry, solid waste.
   2. Sharps - All sharps must be placed in an approved, and properly labeled, sharps container. Sharps include needles, syringes, pipette tips, broken glass, etc.
   3. Liquids - Liquid waste includes the primary radioactive liquid and at least the first rinse. Aqueous and organic waste must be separated and must be placed in containers provided by the Office of Radiation Safety. Liquid waste must also be segregated according to half-life. All liquid waste containers should be stored in secondary containers large enough to contain the entire volume of the primary container.
   4. Animal Waste - All animal waste must be double-bagged, labeled, and frozen until pick-up.
   5. Filled Scintillation Vials - Filled vials are picked up only in flats. Extra flats are available from the Office of Radiation Safety. Segregate glass and plastic vials into separate flats.
   6. Scintillation Cocktails - If vials are emptied, collect the scintillation cocktail separate from other liquids in containers supplied by the Office of Radiation Safety.
   7. Miscellaneous - Contact the Office of Radiation Safety, extension 58149, about specific instructions for the disposal of gels, high specific activity liquid wastes, or any other special pick-ups.
4. Label all radioactive waste containers before pick-up (lab, isotope, accurate activity, and date).
5. Minimize the amount of radioactive waste generated during the course of your work. Some methods to minimize waste include:
   1. Using the smallest animals possible.
   2. Using short-lived radioisotopes whenever possible.
   3. Dispose of only those items, or portions thereof, that are contaminated (cut out spots from coats, paper towels, etc.)
6. Someone must be present in the lab at the time of the pick-up.
7. If you need containers or other supplies, call the Office of Radiation Safety at extension 58149.

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