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Disposal of radioactive substances - Information for owners

The NSW Radiation Control Act 1990 and Radiation Control Regulation 2003 impose restrictions on persons using radioactive substances, ionising radiation apparatus and certain non-ionising radiation apparatus. Clause 23 (1) of the Regulation states that a person must not dispose of any radioactive substance or any radiation apparatus except with the consent of the Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).

At present there are no facilities in NSW that accept hazardous radioactive waste. Generally, sealed radioactive sources that are of no further use can be disposed of by returning them to the source supplier or manufacturer, or sent overseas for recycling or reuse.

Information required when disposing radioactive substances

When disposing of one or more radioactive substances, the owner of these substances must apply to the Director General for consent to carry out the disposal. The letter requesting consent, together with other documentation must, as far as practicable, provide the following information:

• If employing a consultant, a letter authorising the consultant(s) to act on behalf of the owner in the matter of disposal.
• Details of the sealed radioactive source(s) for disposal, including the contained radionuclide(s) and their activity in becquerels (Bq).
• Serial number(s) and assay date(s) of the sealed radioactive source(s) being disposed.
• Details of the method of the proposed accumulation including details of packaging, storage, and transport of the sealed source(s).
• Details of any device(s) housing the sealed radioactive source(s) including the DEC registration number of the device if applicable.
• The name(s) of the person(s) proposed to handle the sealed radioactive source(s) during the course of their disposal.
• Details of any wipe test(s) on the sealed radioactive source(s) or sealed source device(s), and if there is any possibility of leakage from the sealed radioactive source(s). If a wipe test is only on the device, the sealed radioactive source must be disposed of in the device.
• Details of the place or places proposed for ultimate disposal of the sealed radioactive source(s).
• The approximate date(s) for disposal of the sealed radioactive source(s).

Approval to dispose

On assessment, OEH will issue an approval to dispose of the sealed radioactive source(s). The owner of the sealed radioactive source(s) must comply with the conditions of the approval.

For further information please telephone OEH, Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Radiation Section on 131 555.