Experience over the years has identified several incorrect practices that cause additional cost and time.

Incomplete Waste Log sheets

The incorrect documentation or segregation of waste or incomplete labeling may result in the mismanagement of materials and potential violations.

Radioactive waste in non-radioactive trashcans

Survey items in and around radioactive material work areas prior to disposing of the items into non‐radioactive waste. If radioactive waste is improperly released to a sanitary landfill, it will demonstrate a loss of control in the laboratory. This can result in a citation, a civil penalty, and a press release by the regulatory authority.

Mixed half‐life categories

External radiation readings found on boxes whose logs have only H‐3 or C‐14 entries indicates that categories have been mixed. Properly segregate the materials by half‐ life category and log the materials being disposed of at the time of disposal.

Secondary containment

Place all collection bottles in secondary containment, such as a beaker or bucket. Keep bottle waste in a well‐ventilated area such as a fume hood. Observe fire safety practices.

Box flaps and box shields

Do not push waste box flaps down into the box, this makes retrieval of the flap difficult, and increases the potential for contaminating the box, your hands, and the lab. Do not force a box into a shield; it is difficult to remove when it is full. Health Physics can identify manufacturers whose shields easily accommodate our waste boxes.

Mixed waste

Disposal of mixed hazardous waste is a growing problem here and elsewhere. Special permission is required prior to generating mixed waste. Please make every effort to segregate hazardous waste streams such as reactive chemicals and biologics.

Non‐radioactive waste

At the VAPAHCS, survey all regular non‐radioactive waste to ensure it is free of contamination. Then place it in the corridor for pickup.