We had a similar situation a few years ago. There are companies in the Chicago area that specialize in radioactive waste, but it was going to be extremely expensive ($3000 for a few small bottles of uranium nitrate). I actually called the Illinois State Nuclear Regulatory Commission about the problem and they were very helpful. They reassured me that it was perfectly legal to throw the bottles into the regular trash as long as it was below a certain activity level.
Willard
Laster
Analytical Services Manager
Phone: +1 847-821-8900
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Strode, Kyle
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 7:46 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] disposal of uranium compounds
In our most recent lab pack shipment of old chemicals as hazardous waste, our disposal company took everything except two 1 lb jars of uranium nitrate and uranium acetate that have been on the shelf since the 1960s.
I'd be grateful for strategies on the proper disposal of these compounds along with companies that specialize in these types of waste. We're hoping to not break the bank.
If it is too expensive to dispose of them, are we in violation of any regulations if we keep them?
Thanks for your help!
Kyle Strode
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