Radioactive Waste Management

KAUST is committed to protecting human health and environment through a proactive radioactive waste management system. Proper management of Radioactive Waste is essential to our radiation safety program’s success. Understanding the basic types of radioactive wastes and how to manage them is important to this success. 

Radioactive waste generated through research involving the use of radionuclides is subject to strict the Saudi radioactive waste regulations developed by the Competent Authority NRRC. 

The RSO or staff authorized by the RSO are responsible for the collection, processing, and disposal of all forms of radioactive wastes generated on campus. Radiation workers must know that accounting of the radioactive waste is an important part of the radioactive substance inventory required by the Competent Authority. As a result, solid radioactive waste must not be placed in the regular waste containers and liquid radioactive wastes must not be disposed into the sewer system. 

All radioactive waste must be carefully prepared in accordance with the procedures detailed below and the Radioactive Waste Preparation Guide. 

• Segregate waste streams by radioisotope, half-life, and physical form.
• Minimize the volume and activity of radioactive waste.
• Properly package and label waste.
• Submit a Radioactive Waste Pick-up Request via SALUTE.

These efforts help provide a safe working environment, reduce the volume of waste generated and decrease disposal costs.