Radioactive Waste Management
Radioactive materials are used in various research labs at Penn State. The purpose of Penn State's radioactive material waste management program is to ensure researchers are aware of the proper handling and disposal of radioactive waste in the lab as well as ensuring the proper handling, storage, and processing of this material once it leaves the lab. Radioactive waste can occur as radiaoctive only or combined with other hazards such as bio or chemical wastes. Please contact the Radiation Protection Office if you have any questions about the radioactive wastes you will be generating.
Program Applicability
The Radioactive Waste Management Program applies to Penn State employees, students, and researchers who generate radioactive waste in teaching, research, or operational activities at Penn State campuses except the Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine. Radioactive waste may be generated in laboratories and other controlled areas and can exist as radioactive‑only waste or combined radioactive and chemical or biological waste.
The program exists to ensure radioactive waste is handled, stored, transported, and disposed of safely and in compliance with applicable federal, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and University requirements.
Program Requirements
The Radioactive Waste Management Program establishes requirements to support the safe and compliant management of radioactive waste from point of generation through final disposal.
Waste Handling and Management:
- Radioactive waste must be handled and managed in accordance with EHS guidance and the approved procedures of Penn State’s Radiation Protection Program.
- Waste streams consisting of radioactive waste alone or combined with chemical or biological hazards must be managed using approved processes and must not be disposed of through normal trash or drain systems.
Responsibilities of Principal Investigators and Supervisors:
- Ensure personnel generating radioactive waste are aware of proper handling, labeling, and storage requirements
- Ensure radioactive waste is segregated appropriately and stored safely in the laboratory
- Coordinate timely removal of radioactive waste through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
Waste Requests and Disposal:
- Requests for radioactive waste pickup must be submitted through LionSafe, Penn State’s Safety Information System, using the radioactive waste request process.
- Radioactive waste pickup requests are reviewed and managed by EHS to ensure proper collection, transport, and downstream processing or disposal.
EHS Radiation Protection staff are available to provide consultation and assistance regarding radioactive waste identification, handling, and disposal requirements.
Documents and Forms
Procedure/resources:
- How to estimate I-125 in liquid waste
- How to estimate P-32 in liquid waste
- Nonflammable liquid scintillation cocktail
Forms—below are some guidelines for the proper handling of the common forms of radioactive waste produced at Penn State. When the waste is ready to be picked up the lab must complete the Radioactive waste pickup request form.
- Radioactive Waste Pickup Request Form from waste request page
- Solid Waste Collection
- Liquid Waste Collection
- Liquid Scintillation Vials Handling
- Animal Carcass Collection
- Radioactive Waste Reduction Tips
Additional Resources
Program Specific Information
Campus Radioactive Waste Disposal
For radioactive waste disposal at campuses other than University Park, please contact your Campus EHS Regional Coordinator