| Definition |
Waste with multiple type hazards including two or more of the following: radioactive, infectious agent(s), or hazardous chemical(s). One type of multihazardous waste is Mixed Waste: Waste that contains both a chemical component regulated by the EPA as a hazardous waste and radioactive material regulated by the NRC. "Mixed Waste" is a subset of multihazardous waste. |
| Examples |
- Aqueous radioactive wastes containing chloroform or heavy metals
- Radioactive methanol/acetic acid solutions from electrophoresis procedures
- Hazardous liquid scintillation counting fluids
- Radioactive trichloroacetic acid solutions
- Phenol/chloroform mixtures used to extract DNA from radiolabeled cells
- Vacuum pump oil contaminated with radioactive material
- Chemical or radioactive wastes containing infectious agents
- Used animal bedding contaminated with radioactive material
- Lead contaminated with radioactive material
- Aqueous radioactive liquids with pH <3 or >12
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| General Information |
| Avoid Generating |
If at all possible, avoid generating multihazardous wastes as disposal is difficult and expensive. For help in avoiding generation of multihazardous waste, call the Division of Environmental Protection, 301-496-7990 |
| Before Generating |
PRIOR to beginning work activities which will generate multihazardous waste, call the Division of Environmental Protection, 301-496-7990, for waste management information |
| Minimize generation |
If generation of multihazardous waste cannot be avoided, minimize volumes generated For help to avoid or minimize generation of multihazardous waste, call the Division of Environmental Protection, 301-496-7990 |
| Decontaminate |
If the multihazardous waste contains an infectious agent(s), inactivation of the agent(s) is usually the first step in the disposal process. Contact your Safety and Health Specialist, 301-496-2346, for appropriate inactivation methods |
| Segregate |
- Liquid from solid waste
- Organic solvents from aqueous wastes
- By isotope half-life: short (<120 days) or long (> 120 days)
- Mercury or mercury containing materials from any other waste
- Dioxin or dioxin containing materials from any other waste
- Peroxide forming chemicals from any other waste
- Oxidizers from organic compounds, flammable, combustible, and reducing agents (eg. zinc, alkaline metals)
- Aqueous wastes from organic solvents
- Inorganic acids from:
» Organic material
» Caustics and active metals such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium
» Chemicals which can generate toxic gases upon contact such as sodium cyanide and iron sulfide |
| Label, Secure, Store |
Ensure that all waste containers are:
- Labeled and tagged to accurately reflect the multihazardous components
- Securely closed to prevent leaks, spills or escape of vapors
- Stored in the laboratory -not hallway
- Stored in appropriate spill containment trays or devices
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| Waste containers and pickup |
- Call the Radioactive Waste Service at 301-496-4451 or
- Chemical Waste Disposal Service at 301-496-4710
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| Specific types of multihazardous waste |
| Liquid scintillation vials with hazarous counting fluids |
- Segregate securely capped vials according to radionuclide -H-3 and/or C-14 may be disposed of together
- Segregate securely capped vials according to cocktail type
- Place vials in shipping tray or box. Vials with the same radionuclide may be grouped together
- Attach a Caution -Radioactive Material label, a Chemical Waste Tag, and a Radioactive Waste Pickup Receipt
- Call 6-4451, Radioactive Waste Service, for pickup
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| Lead contaminated with radioactive material |
- Place lead in a box and attach: Caution -Radioactive Material label AND Radioactive Waste Pickup Receipt
- Call Radioactive Waste Service, 301-496-4451, for pickup
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