Radioactive waste is any waste that contains or is contaminated with radioactive material. Radioactive waste is generated at the NIH Bethesda campus through experiments and treatment protocols. Radioactive wastes generated at NIH include aqueous radioactive solutions, liquid scintillation fluids and vials, and materials contaminated with radioactive material (e.g., animal and patient wastes). The Radioactive Waste Service has been established to provide waste containers and labels and facilitate radioactive waste collection services throughout the campus. Radioactive wastes are treated onsite, if possible, or sent offsite for treatment and disposal.
For guidance on the proper management of radioactive wastes, see
Radioactive Waste Management Procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Can I still get a daily pickup of my radioactive waste?
Answer: Yes, Please call 301-496-4451 and schedule a daily pickup. Please keep in mind that radioactive waste contractors will contact your lab each day to ensure the pickup is actually needed. If a pickup is not truly necessary, it will save a lab visit.
Question: I'm no longer using radioactivity; how can I get rid of my radioactive waste containers?
Answer: Call the radioactive waste contractor at 301-496-4451 and request that all radioactive waste containers be collected for removal from the lab.
Question: Do I have to bring my radioactive waste to the hallway for the contractor to pick up?
Answer: No. Radioactive waste contractors will still enter a lab for the pickup of radioactive waste. Since there may be contamination concerns, as well as security violations for unattended radioactive waste, we do not want these waste containers to be moved by lab staff.
Question: Can I still request radioactive waste pickups via the DRS Portal?
Answer: Yes. Authorized Users may log in to the AU Portal at https://drsportal.ors.od.nih.gov (or delegate privileges to another lab member) and submit an online request for radioactive waste pickup.
Related links: