Since the disposal depends upon the availability of treatment facilities, the RSS wishes to facilitate necessary research while limiting the generation of mixed waste by encouraging substitution and by promoting the active engagement of the users in reducing quantities of mixed waste. Researchers are required to verify that nonhazardous components will be substituted for hazardous components whenever possible, and that the generation of mixed waste will be eliminated whenever possible. Satellite Accumulation Satellite accumulation areas exist in laboratories where mixed wastes initially accumulate. The waste container is located near the point of generation, and is under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste. Disposal Capacity Commercial Disposal Contractors, possessing the requisite expertise, facilities, and legal right to transport and dispose of low-level radioactive waste in a safe and efficient manner and by all valid and applicable federal, state, and city regulations, provide waste disposal services to commercial disposal facilities.
Commercial shipments are very costly.
General Procedures Several basic categories of radioactive waste produced at the University of Kansas. These categories are determined by the mandates of federal regulatory agencies, the cost to the University and the facilitation of disposal. Accumulation of radioactive wastes within laboratories will be under standardized conditions so that all personnel including those of housekeeping and facilities operation will be able to recognize the waste containers. The conditions for packaging within the drums will depend upon the category of waste as described below. In some cases it may be inconvenient to store in the drum small volumes of waste to which materials are still being added.