Radioactive Waste
Preparation Procedures
- Segregate radioactive waste according to waste segregation poster.
- Enter radionuclide and activity disposed into each container in waste log book.*
- Label containers to be picked up with:
- Radionuclide(s)
- Activity
- Authorization number
- Date
- pH (if liquid)
- Solvents and percentages, must total to 100% (if liquid)
- Seal containers (plastic ties are provided for bags, cap if carboy, clamp on lid if metal & glass drum, tape scintillation vials into original box or double bag, seal or close sharps container)
- Submit a request through the online Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) system (see below for details)
* We suggest a waste log be kept near the waste area to keep a record of the isotope and activity added to each container to aid the person preparing the radioactive waste for pickup in labeling the waste.
Waste Pickup Request Process
Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA)
The process for waste pickup requests uses an online platform: Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA). Word documents, PDFs, Qualtrics, phone calls and other informal methods of pickup requests are not accepted.
EHSA is used for hazardous (chemical) and radioactive waste pickup requests.
Learn more about the process and submit a pickup request on the Hazardous Waste Disposal page.
Pickups
Radioactive waste is picked up every Tuesday. Waste pickup requests must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday for Tuesday pickup. To ensure that waste will be collected, make sure waste is free from contamination and all labels are completely filled out. Submit a request through EHSA (see details above) to facilitate your pickup.
Contact
- For general questions and those related to the EHSA system, contact purdueehsa@purdue.edu.
- For radioactive waste questions, contact radsafety@purdue.edu.
- Contact the Radiation Safety Technician with any other questions.