Storage for Decay - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

c. Segregate: Segregate clean materials from radioactive materials. Do not

dispose of clean materials in radioactive waste containers.

d. Good housekeeping: Contamination control measures such as covering

benches, etc. generate waste. On the other hand, decontamination generates

a great deal of waste. Good housekeeping, following procedures,

minimizing bench areas, and secondary containment can reduce the amount

of coverings required.

Storage for Decay

a. Storage: Some radionuclides have a short half-life and can be stored, with

appropriate DOE approval, for decay. Normal storage times are 10 half-

lives. The waste must be surveyed prior to disposal to ensure it is below

disposal criteria.

b. Substitution: Substitute shorter-lived for longer-lived radionuclides, if

possible.

Disposal via Sanitary Sewer

Disposal of small quantities via sanitary sewer is available to some facilities.

Add facility-specific information.

Disposal of specific waste per 10 CFR 20.2005

In accordance with Part 20.2005, NRC licensees may dispose of the following

as if it were not radioactive:

a. Liquid scintillation counting media: Liquid scintillation counting media

containing 0.05 microcuries or less per gram of medium of H-3 or C-14.

b. Animal carcasses: Animal carcasses containing 0.05 microcuries or less per

gram of animal tissue (averaged over the weight of the entire animal) of H-

3 or C-14.