Hazardous Waste Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Radioactive material is all around us, even when we don't realize it. It can be produced in everyday items like smoke detectors, certain types of glass and some ceramic glazes. 

Radioactive substances are also present in industrial uses like nuclear power generations and oil and gas exploration. In medical settings, radioactive materials are used in diagnostic imaging, from PET scans to certain types of X-rays, as well as in cancer treatments like radiotherapy. 

These procedures often generate radioactive waste in the form of contaminated materials, including syringes, gloves, and other medical equipment.

Although the radioactivity of all radioactive waste weakens as time passes, the time that it takes to weaken depends on the type of radioactive waste. Some radioactive elements, such as plutonium-239, will remain hazardous to humans and other creatures for hundreds of thousands of years. 

If handled incorrectly, exposures of humans and animals to high-level radioactive waste can be dangerous, and even deadly. That’s why managing radioactive waste is critically important, from possession to transportation, handling, storage and ultimately disposal. 

Four organizations are primarily responsible for regulating radioactive materials and wastes:

1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
3. Department of Energy (DOE)
4. Department of Transportation (DOT)

If your company’s activities generate any type of radioactive waste, you understand the importance of safety and compliance. However, because your business is responsible for the radioactive waste you generate until it is safely disposed of (known as cradle to grave requirements), your safety considerations must also include plans for the safe handling, storage and disposal of this dangerous type of waste.

Here is what you need to know about “Hazardous Waste Class 7: Nuclear Waste” and what your facility must do to protect your employees, community and environment.

Types of Radioactive Waste

According to the World Nuclear Association, there are three levels of radioactive waste: Low-level waste, intermediate-level waste and high-level waste.

Low level waste (LLW) is generated from hospitals and industry, as well as the nuclear fuel cycle. It may include paper, rags, tools, clothing and filters that contain small amounts of mostly short-lived radioactivity.

The World Nuclear Association reports that in order "to reduce its volume, LLW is often compacted or incinerated before disposal. LLW comprises some 90% of the volume but only 1% of the radioactivity of all radioactive waste."

Intermediate-Level Waste

Intermediate-level waste (ILW) is more radioactive than LLW, but the heat it generates is not sufficient to be taken into account in the design or selection of storage and disposal facilities. However, ILW does require some shielding.

ILW may include resins, chemical sludges and metal fuel cladding, as well as contaminated materials from reactor decommissioning. Smaller items and any non-solids may be solidified in concrete or bitumen for disposal. ILW makes up some 7% of the volume and has 4% of the radioactivity of all radioactive waste.

High-level waste (HLW) is sufficiently radioactive for its decay to increase its temperature and the temperature of its surroundings, so it requires cooling and shielding.

HLW contains the fission products and elements produced in the reactor core. HLW accounts for just 3% of the volume, but 95% of the total radioactivity of produced waste.

According to the World Nuclear Association, there are two kinds of HLW:

• Used fuel that has been designated as waste.
• Separated waste from reprocessing of used fuel.

HLW has both long-lived and short-lived components, so it is important to separate the long-lived components from the short-lived ones. This is especially important in the management and disposal of HLW.

The Danger of Radioactive Waste

The exposure to the radiation in radioactive waste can be harmful and even deadly to humans and other living creatures.

In fact, the U. S Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized that the following diseases are possibly caused by exposure to ionizing radiation:

• All cancers
• Non-malignant thyroid nodular disease
• Parathyroid adenoma
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts
• Tumors of the brain and central nervous system

Many veterans who served overseas may have been exposed to radiation, with the department listing several events on its website that put soldiers at risk. These included the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki between Aug. 6, 1945, and July 1, 1946, and atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted in Nevada and the Pacific Ocean between 1945 and 1962.

Although these events happened in the past and raised awareness of the dangers associated with radiation, radioactive materials are still used today in a variety of settings. These include medical treatments, industrial applications and scientific research, all of which can be safe with the right precautions in place. Yet proper management and awareness of radioactive waste remains essential to protect public health and the environment from the dangers of radiation exposure.

Properly Disposing Radioactive Waste

Low-level wastes generally have radiation levels comparable to normal environmental background levels and do not require shielding during handling and transport. These wastes are typically disposed of in near-surface disposal facilities designed to isolate them from the environment.

Intermediate-level wastes have higher radiation levels, requiring some shielding during handling, transport and disposal to ensure safety. Disposal methods for ILWs often involve containment in concrete or steel drums and placement in engineered facilities.

High-level wastes require both cooling and extensive shielding due to their significant radiation levels during handling, transport and disposal. HLWs are often stored in deep geological repositories or specially designed storage facilities to ensure long-term isolation from the biosphere.

All categories of radioactive waste are regulated by federal and state governments to limit exposure and prevent environmental contamination. Advances in waste processing technologies, such as vitrification and advanced fuel cycles, are continually being developed to reduce the volume and toxicity of radioactive waste as well. 

As radioactive waste is transported to the appropriate treatment or disposal facility, security is key. Preventing potential leaks and exposures that could pose serious risks to public health and the environment is critically important, which is why choosing the right disposal company for your radioactive waste should be a top priority.

Experience Matters

When you start looking into hazardous waste disposal companies, remember that finding a company with the experience to handle this particular waste stream is important.

Not many companies are equipped to properly handle these dangerous kinds of waste. Do your due diligence when screening these companies to make sure they have the experience, expertise and knowledge necessary for disposing of radioactive materials.

Be sure to: 

• Determine the qualifications of anyone who will potentially pack or prepare the shipment of your dangerous hazardous waste.
• Ensure the hazardous waste disposal companies know proper transportation protocol. This includes what legally can and cannot go on the truck, essential safety rules (such as never putting an oxidizer next to something corrosive), and which facilities accept the type of waste you generate.
• Determine if the hazardous waste management companies have the proper equipment (respirators, masks and gloves) and the knowledge and experience to know how to use them.
• Ensure the companies have specific experience, knowledge and training dealing with radioactive materials.

If your organization regularly deals with Hazardous Waste Class 7: Radioactive Materials, choosing a partner to manage and dispose of this waste stream safely and effectively is key to maintaining compliance and protecting your community.