Radioactive Waste

Allen Boyd
777-2841
boydCA@gwm.sc.edu

Radioactive waste generated by the licensed activities are picked up by Radiation Safety staff for proper packaging and disposal. The following types of waste are handled by the Radiation Safety Office:

• SOLID WASTE: Waste which contains only dry solid material such as lab paper, gloves, pipette tips, glassware. NO WASTE WITH MOISTURE PRESENT CAN BE PICKED UP.
  
  
• SCINTILLATION VIALS: Scintillation fluid contained in vials with samples or wipe tests.
  Please note: ONLY BIODEGRADABLE- NONHAZARDOUS brands of cocktail are permitted.
  
  
• LIQUID WASTE: Liquid aqeous waste that does not contain a hazardous waste component as defined by EPA under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Any liquids that contain a hazardous constituent must be pre-approved by our office. Please check with our office before you generate waste that could be considered hazardous.
  
  
• CARCASSES or BIOLOGICAL WASTE: Any animal or biological tissue that has been injected with a radioisotope, and animal bedding or anything used in the care of these animals must be disposed of as radioactive waste.
  
  
• STOCK VIALS: Any stock vial containing residual radioactive material.
  
  
• URANIUM OR THORIUM COMPOUNDS: These chemicals can be purchased without a license, however the radiation safety office will pick them up for proper disposal.

If you have any of these items to dispose, please email Radsafety@gwm.sc.edu and send your request.
Make sure the type of waste and the isotope and activity is listed for each type. If you need additional supplies for waste, just add it to your request.

Other Resources
Radiation Safety Manual(pdf)
Laboratory Training Matrix
SC DHEC- Radioactive Waste Management
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The Health Physics Society
National Safety Council