REHS pursues an aggressive decay-in-storage program that solidly backs the University's commitment to the community and the environment. When properly segregated, 80% of the waste can be decayed on site.
The commitment of research staff to this program is the key to its success. An extremely important part of this process is the proper segregation of radioactive isotopes.
- Solid Waste
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Solid wastes are grouped (or segregated) by half-life.
Half life range in days:- < 15 days: Examples: P-32, I-131
- > 15 days and < 120 days: Examples: P-33, S-35, Cr-51, I-125
- > 120 days -3H & 14C only: Examples: H-3, C-14
- > 120 days - all others: Examples: Ca-45, Cl-36
- Liquid Waste
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Liquids are segregated into aqueous and organic waste streams and then are grouped (or segregated) by half-life.
Aqueous- Water, Buffer, Urine etc.
- Follow half-life segregation scheme
Organic
- Ethanol Methanol Acetonitrile Acetone
- Chloroform etc. with or without water
- Follow half-life segregation scheme
THEN
Half life range in days:
- < 15 days: Examples: P-32, I-131
- > 15 days and < 120 days: Examples: P-33, S-35, Cr-51, I-125
- > 120 days -3H & 14C only: Examples: H-3, C-14
- > 120 days - all others: Examples: Ca-45, Cl-36
- Liquid Scintillation Vials
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LSV's are are now grouped by half-life as with liquid and solid wastes. This change should be implemented by your lab as soon as possible. Contact REHS if you need help with this transition.
Half life range in days:- < 15 days: Examples: P-32, I-131
- > 15 days and < 120 days: Examples: P-33, S-35, Cr-51, I-125
- > 120 days -3H & 14C only: Examples: H-3, C-14
- > 120 days - all others: Examples: Ca-45, Cl-36
- Biological / Animal
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Biological / Animal wastes are also grouped by half-life:
Half life range in days:- < 120 days: Examples: P-32, I-131, P-33, S-35, Cr-51, I-125
- > 120 days: Examples: H-3 and C-14 only
- > 120 days: Examples: all others (i.e. Ca-45, Cl-36)
Contact
Please direct all questions regarding hazardous waste to hazwaste@rutgers.edu.
