Commercial disposal of low-level radioactive wastes from institutions

The objective of this study is to examine the costs of packaging, transportation, and disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) from institutions. Since many institutions generate waste containing chemical and biological hazards as well as radioactivity, the additional costs and problems associated with the disposal of this type of waste are discussed. The study indicates that the unit charge for disposal of waste type at the specific disposal site is constant for a 1-yr period. The unit rate for transportation decreases as volume per transport vehicle increases. Thus, the most cost-effective procedure is to ship truckload quantities. With respect to EPA regulations, any substance under the jurisdiction of the EPA which also contains radioactivity may require disposal in accordance with such regulations. This would involve synthetic liners in disposal trenches, waste stream verification, and other stipulations not now required by the LLW disposal sites. In addition, this situation could result in dual jurisdiction at not only the disposal sites but at the institutional facilities as well.