Radioactive Medical Waste Disposal

Radioactive materials are widely used and frequently transported, often without the requirement of labels, markings, or shipping papers. Radioactive materials may be medical equipment, industrial meters, or test equipment and may not always be marked with the yellow and red radiation sign. Federal law requires that all radioactive material be disposed of appropriately, either through decay or disposal in the correct waste management facility.

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) can help find affordable, legal disposition for radioactive material. CRCPD offers:

• publications describing resources available to the custodian of an orphan radiation source or otherwise unwanted radioactive material.
• assistance in obtaining help to secure and assess the material and to find suitable outlets or appropriate disposal.

If you experience a loss, theft, or discovery of radioactive material, immediately report it to radiation control authorities. This may be the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the South Dakota Department of Health, or the South Dakota Department of Environment & Natural Resources.

For more specific information about disposal of radioactive materials, contact one of the agencies listed below.