This section contains information on radioactive waste packaging, labeling, storage and disposal.

The Chancellor has recognized the efforts made by campus radioactive material users to reduce the generation of radioactive waste. Your continued efforts will help to provide a safe working environment, reduce the volume of waste generated by the campus, and decrease disposal costs.

Federal and state rules and regulations and the state-granted campus Radioactive Materials License provide requirements for radioactive material use and disposal. To assist you in meeting these requirements and the goals above, we are providing the following information about the major campus radioactive waste categories.

As radioactive waste regulations and procedures change, this section of the Logbook will also change. You will be provided updates as soon as they are produced. If you have any questions regarding radiation safety, call ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976. If you need pick-up of radioactive wastes or information on waste packaging or labeling, call the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) at 3-9432 or 2-5982.

For questions regarding special waste needs, call EH&S at 3-8765.

The following are major campus radioactive waste categories and references for radioactive waste disposal with their respective page numbers in this section.

Segregation of Radioactive Wastes

Segregation of radioactive waste by form (such as liquids from solids) and by isotope is an important element of the campus Radioactive Waste Management Program. When radioactive wastes are segregated by isotope, it allows us to dispose of short half-life waste by decay.

Radioactive Sharps

Radioactive waste staff open and handle waste and could be injured by sharps that are not properly contained. Radioactive sharps include hypodermic needles, syringes with attached hypodermic needles, razor blades, scalpel blades, X-actoÆ blades, Pasteur pipettes, and glass or plastic that is broken or is expected to break in the process of storage, processing or disposal. LSC vials are not normally handled as a sharps waste unless already broken. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî or ìRadioactive Non-Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî for information on packaging sharps waste.

Decay of Radioactive Wastes

Dry waste with isotopes having a half-life of 90 days or less (short-lived) is managed under the campus radioactive waste decay program. Once decayed, these wastes can be disposed of as non-radioactive. Do not decay waste in the laboratory; call for pick-up.

Pick-Up of Radioactive Wastes

When you have waste that needs to be picked up from your laboratory, call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for a pick-up. Allow 5 working days from the date of your call for pick-up. If you have a high activity waste or a special need, your waste can be picked up right away.

Central Pick-Up Units (CPUs) Locations for Radioactive Wastes

Some buildings have Central Pick-Up Units (CPUs). If your building has a CPU, dry wastes and scintillation vials can be deposited in the CPU for pick-up.

Radioactive Biohazardous Wastes

All biohazardous materials must be inactivated to render them non-biohazardous before pick-up. Do not package radioactive wastes in biohazard bags. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Dry Wasteî (page K-5), ìRadioactive Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî or ìRadioactive Biohazardous Liquid Wasteî for information on disposal of radioactive biohazardous waste. Contact EH&S at 643-8765 for guidance.

Radioactive Mixed Wastes

When radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals are combined, the resultant mixture is a radioactive mixed waste. Radioactive mixed wastes are the most difficult and expensive wastes to manage and dispose of.

In addition to the Radioactive Waste Program requirements for disposal, you must have an account for chemical waste disposal to allow recharging for the chemical constituents of the mixed waste. You must also submit a Chemical Waste Program Materials Packing List (MPL) to EH&S at the time of pick-up. To set up a recharge account and to obtain MPLs, call EH&S at 2-3073. There is no charge for the disposal of the radioactive portion of the waste. Refer to ìRadioactive Mixed Wasteî for information on disposal of mixed waste.

Drain Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Waste

The Campus Radioactive Materials License allows disposal of some radioactive liquid waste to the sanitary sewer system. The quarterly activity limits for drain disposal are found on your RUA. The March 28, 1994 ìInterim Guidelines for Drain Disposal of Chemicals in University of California at Berkeley Academic Research and Teaching Laboratoriesî defines the chemical and physical parameters for drain disposal of liquids. Both your RUA and the Drain Disposal Guidelines apply to all radioactive liquids drain-disposed to the sanitary sewer system. Refer to ìDrain Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Wasteî for information on drain disposal.

Further Information

EH&S picks up, stores, decays, processes, and disposes of the campus radioactive wastes. EH&S cannot pick up radioactive waste that is not adequately packaged and labeled. If you have questions on packaging or labeling radioactive waste, call EH&S at 3-8765 or 3-9432. If you have health and safety concerns regarding radioactive materials, contact ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976.

RADIOACTIVE DRY WASTE

Definition: Radioactive dry wastes are dry materials (such as gloves, paper towels, glassware, etc.) that are contaminated with radioactive material. Discarded plastic syringe barrels (without hypodermic needles) that are contaminated with radioactive material may be disposed of as radioactive dry waste.

Radioactive dry waste does not include metallic lead, sealed radioactive sources, smoke detectors that contain radioactive sources, alpha emitters such as uranyl acetate or thorium compounds, containers with freestanding liquids or liquid scintilllation counting vials. Refer to ìMiscellaneous Radioactive Wastesî, ìRadioactive Liquid Wasteî, ìExempt Scintillation Counting Vialsî or ìRegulated Scintillation Counting Vialsî for information on these materials.

Radioactive sharps must be managed, contained and labeled according to specific requirements. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî or ìRadioactive Non-Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî for these requirements.

Radioactive dry waste that is also biohazardous must be managed, contained and labeled according to specific requirements. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Dry Wasteî for these requirements.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Place radioactive dry waste in strong, clear plastic bags. Deposit all glassware in a sturdy puncture-resistant container before placing in the bags.

Labeling: Label the exterior of bags of radioactive dry waste with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number

If there is no CPU in your building, accumulate your wastes in your laboratory in dry waste boxes provided by EH&S. Package and label the bags of wastes as described above. Complete all the information on the log sheet provided. Some isotopes (such as P-32) may require shielding the box to reduce the dose rate in your laboratory. Call ORS at 3-7976 for information on shielding. Call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for pick-up. Allow 5 working days for pick-up.

RADIOACTIVE BIOHAZARDOUS DRY WASTE

Definition: Radioactive biohazardous dry wastes are any dry items (such as plastic petri plates, plastic tissue culture flasks, micro pipette tips, gloves, paper towels, etc.) that are contaminated with both radioactive material and a biohazardous agent. In general, biohazardous wastes contain infectious agents (such as bacteria, fungi and viruses) or human blood, body fluid or tissue that can cause illness in humans.

Radioactive biohazardous dry wastes must be rendered non-biohazardous prior to pick-up. This is normally performed by use of steam sterilization or by use of 10% bleach spray. If steam sterilization or bleach spray cannot be used safely to render your material non-biohazardous, contact EH&S at 643-8765 for guidance.

If you use steam sterilization, we recommend the use of the CostarÆ Mixed Waste Bag. These bags come with instructions on use. Remove biohazard labels following steam sterilization.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Place radioactive biohazardous dry waste in strong, clear plastic bags. Do not package any radioactive biohazardous dry wastes in biohazard bags.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the biohazardous dry waste bag with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Description of biohazardous agent(s)
Method used to inactivate the biohazard
Building Name
Lab Room Number

RADIOACTIVE BIOHAZARDOUS SHARPS WASTE

Definition: Radioactive biohazardous sharps wastes are items that are radioactive, biohazardous, and could pierce the skin. Sharps include hypodermic needles, syringes with attached hypodermic needles, razor blades, scalpel blades, X-actoÆ blades, Pasteur pipettes, pipette tips and glass or plastic that is broken or is expected to break in the process of storage, processing or disposal. LSC vials are not normally handled as a sharps waste unless already broken.

Radioactive biohazardous sharps wastes must have the biohazard inactivated to render it non-biohazardous. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Dry Wasteî for information on inactivating the biohazard.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. To prevent injury, radioactive biohazardous sharps require special packaging. Deposit sharps into an approved sharps container or into a rigid, puncture-resistant container. After the biohazard has been inactivated, remove or deface biohazard labels from the container.

Labeling: Label the exterior of waste container with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Description of biohazardous agent(s)
Method used to inactivate the biohazard
Building Name
Lab Room Number

RADIOACTIVE NON-BIOHAZARDOUS SHARPS WASTE

Definition: Radioactive non-biohazardous sharps wastes are items that are radioactive and could pierce the skin. Sharps include hypodermic needles, syringes with attached hypodermic needles, razor blades, scalpel blades, X-actoÆ blades, Pasteur pipettes, and glass or plastic that is broken or is expected to break in the process of storage, processing or disposal. LSC vials are not normally handled as a sharps waste unless already broken.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. To prevent injury, radioactive non-biohazardous sharps require special packaging. Deposit sharps into an approved sharps container or into a rigid, puncture-resistant container. Remove or deface biohazard labels from the container.

Labeling: If you use a sharps container, you must remove or deface any biohazard labels from the sharps container. Label the exterior of the waste container with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA number
Building Name
Lab Room Number

RADIOACTIVE BIOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE

Definition: Radioactive biological solid wastes contain radioactive material and biological components that may include animals, animal parts, or any biological cultures that may putrefy.

Radioactive biological solid waste that is also biohazardous requires special handling, containment and labeling. Contact EH&S at 643-8765 for guidance.

Remove paper towels, wadding, razor blades, syringes, disposable gloves or instruments associated with biological work. These items are not included in radioactive biological solid waste. Refer to ìRadioactive Dry Wasteî or ìRadioactive Non-Biohazardous Sharps Wasteî for information on how to dispose of these kinds of waste.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Place radioactive solid biological waste in a strong, clear plastic bag and seal. Apply the label (as described below) to this bag. Place this sealed and labeled bag into another sturdy clear-plastic bag and seal. Verify that the label is visible. Keep these wastes frozen (to prevent putrefaction ) until they are picked up by EH&S.

Labeling: Label the interior bag with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
Description (i.e., animal, animal parts, tissue culture)

RADIOACTIVE LIQUID WASTE

Definition: Radioactive liquid waste is any freestanding liquid that contains or is contaminated with radioactive material. LSC vials are not included in radioactive liquid waste. Refer to ìExempt Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) Vialsî or ìRegulated Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) Vialsî for information on disposal of these wastes.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Collect radioactive liquid waste in one-gallon, narrow-neck, screw-top glass containers or other ORS or EH&S approved containers. Do not deposit chemically incompatible liquids in the same container. Call EH&S at 2-3073 if you have chemical compatibility questions.

Place each bottle in a strong, clear plastic bag to provide a contamination-free surface for handling. Store it in a non-breakable secondary container (generally available from your storeroom). Secondary containers must be able to contain all liquid waste without overflowing if the primary container should break. Make sure the primary container is tightly closed and the plastic bag sealed shut with tape.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the bottle with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
pH (measured)
Volume
Chemical Constituents (percent by volume and chemical name, no chemical formulas)

Drain Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Waste

Your RUA may permit you to dispose of radioactive liquid waste to the sanitary sewer system. As long as your waste meets both the sanitary sewer activity limits set forth in your RUA and the March 28, 1994 ìInterim Guidelines for Drain Disposal of Chemicals in University of California at Berkeley Academic Research and Teaching Laboratoriesî (guidelines for drain disposal of the chemical components of liquid waste), your waste may be drain disposed. Call ORS at 3-7976 if you have questions about the RUA activity limits for drain disposal. Call EH&S at 2-3073 if you have questions about the Drain Disposal Guidelines.

RADIOACTIVE BIOLOGICAL LIQUID WASTE

Definition: Radioactive biological liquid wastes are radioactive material and biological fluids such as animal blood and body fluids that may putrefy. This category of waste does not include wastes contaminated with biohazardous components or with human blood and body fluids. Refer to ìRadioactive Biohazardous Liquid Wasteî for information on disposal of these wastes.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Collect these radioactive liquid wastes in one-gallon, narrow-neck, screw-top glass container or other ORS or EH&S approved containers. Do not deposit chemically incompatible liquids in the same container. Call EH&S at 2-3073 if you have chemical compatibility questions.

As a prudent laboratory practice and to reduce odors, add bleach to the waste to reach a final concentration of one percent. Caution - Bleach may not be compatible with your liquid waste. If you suspect a compatibility problem, call EH&S at 2-3073 for alternatives to bleach.

Place each bottle in a sturdy clear-plastic bag to provide a contamination-free surface for handling. Store the waste in a non-breakable secondary container (generally available from your storeroom). Secondary containers must be able to contain all liquid waste without overflowing if the primary container should break. Make sure the primary container is tightly closed and the plastic bag sealed shut with tape.

Labeling: Label the bottle with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
pH (measured)
Volume
Description (i.e., animal blood, body fluids)
Method used to sanitize the biological material
Chemical Constituents (percent by volume and chemical name, no chemical formulas)

Drain Disposal of Radioactive Biological Liquid Waste: Your RUA may permit the disposal of radioactive liquid waste to the sanitary sewer system. Refer to ìDrain Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Wasteî for information on drain disposal.

RADIOACTIVE BIOHAZARDOUS LIQUID WASTE

Definition: Radioactive biohazardous liquid wastes contain radioactive material and a biohazardous component. In general, biohazardous components contain infectious agents (such as bacteria, fungi and viruses) or human blood and body fluids that can cause illness in humans.

Radioactive biohazardous liquid wastes must be rendered non-biohazardous prior to pick-up. This is normally performed by use of steam sterilization or by use of bleach to a final concentration of one percent.

Caution - Bleach may not be compatible with your liquid waste and steam sterilization may not be appropriate for volatile materials. Contact EH&S at 643-8765 for guidance.

If you use steam sterilization, we recommend the use of the CostarÆ Mixed Waste Bag. These bags come with instructions on use. Remove biohazard labels following steam sterilization.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Collect radioactive biohazardous liquid wastes in one-gallon, narrow-neck, screw-top glass containers or other ORS or EH&S approved containers. Do not deposit chemically incompatible liquids in the same container. Contact EH&S at 2-3073 if you have chemical compatibility questions.

Place each bottle in a strong, clear plastic bag to provide a contamination-free surface for handling. Store the waste in a non-breakable secondary container (generally available from your storeroom). Secondary containers must be able to contain all liquid waste without overflowing if the primary container should break. Make sure the primary container is tightly closed and the plastic bag is sealed shut with tape. Do not package any radioactive wastes in biohazard bags.

Labeling: Remove or deface any biohazard labels. Label the exterior of the bottle with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
pH (measured)
Volume
Description of biohazardous agent(s)
Method used to inactivate the biohazard
Chemical Constituents (percent by volume and chemical name, no chemical formulas)

Drain Disposal of Radioactive Biohazardous Liquid Waste: Your RUA may permit you to dispose of radioactive liquid waste to the sanitary sewer system after the biohazard has been inactivated. Refer to ìDrain Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Wasteî for information on drain disposal.

RADIOACTIVE MIXED WASTE

Definition: Radioactive mixed wastes are fluids that are contaminated with both a radioactive material and a hazardous chemical. A hazardous chemical displays corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive characteristics.

Liquid scintillation fluids are excluded from this waste stream. Refer to ìBulk Liquid Scintillation Fluidsî for information on scintillation fluids. Do not mix other wastes with radioactive mixed waste. Radioactive mixed wastes are the most difficult and expensive wastes to manage and dispose of.

You must have a Chemical Waste Disposal Account number to allow recharging for the chemical constituents of the mixed waste. You must also submit a Chemical Waste Program Materials Packing List (MPL) to EH&S at the time of pick-up. To set up a recharge account and to obtain MPLs, call EH&S at 2-3073. There is no charge for the disposal of the radioactive portion of the waste.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Collect radioactive mixed waste in one-gallon, narrow-neck, screw-top glass containers or other ORS or EH&S approved containers. Do not deposit chemically incompatible liquids in the same container. Call EH&S at 2-3073 if you have chemical compatibility questions.

Place each bottle in a strong, clear plastic bag to provide a contamination-free surface for handling. Store it in a non-breakable secondary container (generally available from your storeroom). Secondary containers must be able to contain all liquid waste without overflowing if the primary container should break. Make sure the primary container is tightly closed and the plastic bag sealed shut with tape.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the bottle with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
pH (measured)
Volume
Chemical Constituents (percent by volume and chemical name, no chemical formulas)

Radioactive mixed wastes cannot be drain disposed.

BULK LIQUID SCINTILLATION FLUIDS

Definition: Bulk liquid scintillation fluids are scintillation fluids captured on a large scale (not contained in scintillation vials). Refer to ìLSC Permitted Isotope Listî for information on permitted isotopes in scintillation fluids.

Liquid scintillation wastes containing isotopes, that are not on the LSC Permitted Isotope List (such as Iron-55 (55Fe) and Nickel-63 (63Ni)), or scintillation fluids with a concentration greater than 0.05 µCi per gram of radioactive material, are difficult and expensive to dispose of. If you believe that you may generate these wastes contact EH&S at 3-8765 for guidance.

Packaging: Segregate waste by isotope. Collect bulk liquid scintillation fluids in one-gallon, narrow-neck, screw-top glass containers or other ORS or EH&S approved containers. Do not mix other wastes with scintillation fluids.

Place each bottle in a strong, clear plastic bag to provide a contamination-free surface for handling. Store it in a non-breakable secondary container (generally available from your storeroom). Secondary containers must be able to contain all liquid waste without overflowing if the primary container should break. Make sure the primary container is tightly closed and the plastic bag sealed shut with tape.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the bottle with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (activity of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA Number
Building Name
Lab Room Number
pH (measured)
Volume
Scintillation cocktail name
Chemical Constituents (percent by volume and chemical name, no chemical formulas)

Scintillation fluids cannot be drain disposed.

EXEMPT LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING (LSC) VIALS

Definition: Exempt LSC vials contain only the radioisotopes 3H and/or 14C with a concentration less than 0.05 µCi per gram (about 100,000 dpm per milliliter). For information on other types of liquid scintillation vials, refer to ìRegulated Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) Vialsî (page K-16).

Packaging: Tighten the cap on each vial. Remove or deface radioactive labels and symbols. Remove vials from flats and place them in strong, clear plastic bags. Place labels on the outer bag.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the waste bag with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Scintillation cocktail name
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA number
Building Name
Lab Room Number

If there is no CPU in your building, deposit these LSC vials in the LSC vial waste box provided by EH&S in your laboratory. Package and label the bags of vials as described above. Maintain a log of the vials you deposit in the box. Call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for pick-up. Allow 5 working days for pick-up.

REGULATED LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING (LSC) VIALS

Definition: Regulated LSC vials contain isotopes other than 3H and 14C at a concentration less than 0.05 µCi per gram. Refer to ìLSC Permitted Isotope Listî. Regulated LSC vials are more expensive to dispose of than exempt LSC vials.

Note: LSC vials containing isotopes, that are not on the LSC Permitted Isotope List (page K-17) (such as Iron-55 (55Fe) and Nickel-63 (63Ni)), or vials with a concentration greater than 0.05 µCi per gram of radioactive material, are difficult and expensive to dispose of. If you believe that you may generate these wastes contact EH&S at 3-8765 for guidance.

Packaging: Tighten the cap on each vial. Remove vials from flats and place them in strong, clear plastic bags. Leave radioactive labels and symbols intact. Place labels on the outer bag.

Labeling: Label the exterior of the waste bag with the following information:

Isotope(s)
Activity (of each isotope)
Date of Activity
Scintillation cocktail name
Principal Investigator's (PI) Name
RUA number
Building Name
Lab Room Number

If there is no CPU in your building, deposit these LSC vials in the LSC vial waste box provided by EH&S in your laboratory. Package and label the bags of vials as described above. Maintain a log of the vials you deposit in the box. Call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for pick-up. Allow 5 working days for pick-up.

H-3	Hydrogen 3
C-14	Carbon 14
Na-22	Sodium 22
P-32	Phosphorus 32
P-33	Phosphorus 33
S-35	Sulfur 35
Cl-36	Chlorine 36
Ca-45	Calcium 45
Sc-46	Scandium 46
Cr-51	Chromium 51
Co-57	Cobalt 57
Fe-59	Iron 59
Cu-64	Copper 64
Zn-65	Zinc 65
Ga-67	Gallium 67
Ge-68	Germanium 68
Se-75	Selenium 75
Rb-86	Rubidium 86
Tc-99	Technetium 99
Cd-109	Cadmium 109
In-111	Indium 111
Sn-113	Tin 113
Sn-119	Tin 119
I-125	Iodine 125
I-131	Iodine 131
Ce-141	Cerium 141
Gd-153	Gadoliniuim 153
Au-195	Gold 195
Hg-203	Mercury 203

MISCELLANEOUS RADIOACTIVE WASTES

Alpha Emitters Including Uranium / Thorium Compounds

To dispose of uranium and thorium compounds, place each container in a plastic bag and seal it. Follow the labeling guidelines in ìRadioactive Dry Wasteî (page K-4), but instead of giving the activity, provide the metric weight of the contents of the bottle. Other radioisotopes that are alpha emitters require special disposal methods. Contact EH&S at 3-8765 for information on the disposal of these isotopes. Alpha emitters are picked up from your laboratory. Do not deposit or store alpha emitters in a CPU. Call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for pick-up. Allow 5 working days for pick-up.

Metallic Lead

Metallic lead is used for radioisotope shielding (pigs, bricks, sheets). Survey the lead with an appropriate survey instrument and / or perform a swipe survey to determine if the lead is contaminated.

If the lead is not contaminated, remove or deface any radiation labels and manage it as a chemical material or waste. Call EH&S at 2-3073 for information on the proper management of unwanted lead.

If the lead is contaminated, package it in a container strong enough to withstand the weight of the lead and in packages no heavier than 60 lbs. Follow the labeling guidelines in ìRadioactive Dry Wasteî (page K-4) and provide an MPL. Refer to ìRadioactive Mixed Wasteî (page K-13) for information on disposal. Contaminated lead is picked up from your laboratory. Do not deposit or store lead in a CPU. Call EH&S at 3-9432 or 2-5982 for pick-up. Allow 5 working days for pick-up.

Sealed Radioactive Sources

Contact ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976 for information on disposal of radioactive sealed sources.

Liquid Scintillation Counters

Some liquid scintillation counters contain a radioactive sealed source. This radioactive source must be removed prior to transfer or disposal of the unit (usually through Excess, Surplus & Salvage). Call ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976 for information on source removal or information on the transfer or disposal of these units. Once the source is removed, the lead shielding where the source resided must also be removed. Refer to ìMetallic Leadî (this page) for requirements. Some models may have a refrigeration unit which requires removal of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Call Excess, Surplus & Salvage at 2-1186 for proper removal of CFCs.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors that contain radioactive sources are an exempt consumer product and can be disposed of directly to municipal trash. Contact ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976 for information on the disposal of these detectors.

Exit Signs

Tritium exit signs contain relatively large amounts of radioactive material. Contact ORS at 3-8414 or 3-7976 for information on exit signs.

Other Radioactive Wastes

If you have or expect to generate radioactive wastes other than those described in this section, a special assessment for management and disposal of your waste is required. Contact EH&S at 3-8765 for guidance on disposing this waste.