Each Radioactive Material (RAM) authorized user is responsible for ensuring that all radioactive materials are disposed of properly. All radioactive waste must be segregated and documented properly for pick up and disposal by EH&S.
Log Usage
Document your isotope usage and update your waste container contents in RSS as soon as you start an experiment. View RSS SOP Radioactive Material Inventory Management for detailed instructions.
Segregate for Disposal
All radioactive materials not administered to a patient must be segregated in the laboratory. Contact radsafety@usc.edu to have radioactive waste containers delivered to you at no charge.
One container, one isotope
This is the general rule for segregating radioactive waste. Do not mix radioisotopes.
Radioactive waste must first be segregated by the type of material, and then by half-life. Please see the table below to learn how.
Radioisotopes with Very Short Half-Lives
Radioisotopes with very short half-lives (F-18, Cu-64, Zr-89, O-15, etc.) can be decayed in storage. Contact radsafety@usc.edu for training regarding special documentation that is required for a Decay-in-Storage program for your lab. Decay-in-Storage waste logs will be audited during inspections.
View the Radioactive Waste Disposal Guide Sheet for detailed information on container types and contents.
Request Radioactive Waste Pick-Up
Request a Radioactive Hazardous Waste Pickup via RSS. Jump to “Request a Hazardous Waste Pickup” request on page 4 of the SOP.
NOTE: Improperly segregated radioactive waste and/or incomplete/invalid documentation will not be accepted for disposal.