Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Research, Environmental Health and Safety   |   Approved May 14, 2015

Purpose

Dispose of radioactive waste at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

Applicability

This instruction applies to laboratory personnel at UMB and includes the disposal of any waste that is potentially contaminated with radioactive material. 

For more information on see EHS’s Lab Management of Radioactive Waste website.

Instructions

General Instructions

1. Prior to generating radioactive waste, request waste containers by submitting request using EHS’s Online Radioactive Waste Removal Request Form.
2. Segregate wastes according to isotope and waste form.
   1. These categories include dry solid waste, sharps, organic scintillation fluid and its associated liquid scintillation vials, biodegradable scintillation vials and its associated liquid scintillation vials, aqueous solutions, organic solutions, and animal/pathological waste.
3. Affix a "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" label to the outer container.
4. Each waste container should be accompanied by a "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" label and a "Radioactive Waste Disposal Log Sheet". If a waste container is missing either the label or log sheet they can be obtained from EHS by calling 6-7055.
5. Update the "Radioactive Waste Disposal Log Sheet" each time waste is placed in a container.
6. Prior to any waste pick-up, ensure that the "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" label and the "Radioactive Waste Disposal Log Sheet" are correctly and completely filled out.
7. Fill out the online Radioactive Waste Removal Request Form to request a radioactive material/waste pick-up.

Dry or Solid Radioactive Waste:

1. Place the dry, solid radioactive waste in a two cubic foot fiberboard box lined with a clear trash bag supplied by EHS.
2. When the box is full, twist and tape the bag closed, then close and tape the box shut. Do not overfill the box.

Liquid Radioactive Waste:

1. Collect the liquid portion of the waste in the 1-gallon container supplied by EHS.
2. Identify all organic solvents and other hazardous chemicals that have been added to the container on the attached "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" label and the "Radioactive Waste Disposal Log Sheet".
3. Tightly screw the lid closed on the container.

Liquid Scintillation Vials (LSV):

1. Place the capped vials into either five gallon pail (provided by request, see General Instructions, Step 1).
2. The drum/pail should be double lined with plastic bags prior to disposing of LSV.
3. Include identification of the liquid scintillation cocktail and other chemicals that are being disposed.
4. When the pail is full, place the lid on pail.

Radioactive Contaminated "Sharps" (needles, syringes, scalpel blades, etc.):

1. Affix a "CAUTION - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL" label to a designated "sharps" container.
2. Do not recap, bend, remove, or clip needles. Fill the container until 3/4 full.
3. Place the "sharps" in the designated "sharps" container.
4. Close the container cap securely.

Small Animal Carcasses and Tissues:

1. Place the animals/tissues in a plastic bag.
2. Twist the bag at the top, bend the twisted portion to form a loop and seal the loop with filament tape.
3. Place the bag into a second bag and twist the second bag at the top, bend the twisted portion to form a loop and seal the loop with filament tape.
4. Freeze the container until it is picked up.

Animal Bedding and Waste:

1. Place the bedding/waste into a plastic bag.
2. Twist the bag at the top, bend the twisted portion to form a loop and seal the loop with filament tape.
3. Place the bag into a second bag and twist the second bag at the top, bend the twisted portion to form a loop and seal the loop with filament tape.

All radioactive waste must be stored in containers provided and/or approved by EHS.  The materials and supplies required by this procedure are supplied by EHS, with the exception of approved sharps containers.  Sharps containers must be procured by the Principal Investigator. 

All radioactive waste must be secured in a radioactive material area.  Never place radioactive waste containers in the corridors.   Never place lead shielding inside of waste containers.  This includes lead lined vial shielding.