If the material could be disposed of via the sanitary sewer based on its radioactivity, it must also meet chemical requirements for sink disposal. If you plan to generate mixed waste, contact the RSO to preplan disposal options or to explore alternatives. In the past, the largest source of mixed waste for many labs resulted from the use of organic solvents like benzene, toluene, or xylene as a component of scintillation fluid. In the event these chemicals must be used, some laboratories have been successful in reducing the volume of samples to as small as 1.5 ml using special vials or switching to biodegradable scintillation cocktail. Biohazardous and Biological Waste Biohazardous and biological waste, including infectious and noxious waste, must be considered as a separate waste stream.
Biological waste is considered to be any carcass, tissue, blood, blood product, or body part.
Most biological waste is considered a biohazard and may require special handling. Verify the local policy for disposing of biological waste. To dispose of the waste as simply radioactive, it may be possible to treat the biohazard and eliminate it. Some cautions apply. If autoclaving the material, ensure that the nuclide will not volatilize and become airborne.