What's New?
•	NRC Grants to HPS Education Institutions for Student Scholarships/Fellowships and Faculty Development now open until 25 Feb 2009
•	NRC Grant to HPS Education Institutions Now Open Until 22 Jan 2009
•	January Journal
•	January Newsletter
•	AAPM Now Accepting Applications for Student Summer Programs

Upcoming Events
•	HPS Midyear Meeting Recent Advances in Planning and Response to Radiation Emergencies 31 January - 3 February 2009 San Antonio, Texas
•	54th Annual Meeting of the Health Physics Society 12-16 July 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota
•	2009 Professional Development School NORM and TENORM 16-18 July 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota

07 January 2009

Answer to Question #1358 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radioactive Waste Disposal — Mixed Waste

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Are there any studies which compare the cost of mixed radioactive waste disposal for the research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries over the last 10-15 years? I would like citations on publications.

There are no specific cost studies that directly compare costs for mixed-waste management disposal over the last 10-15 years. Mixed-waste management has evolved significantly in that time frame. The most recent study of low-level radioactive waste management is contained in a study performed by the National Academy of Sciences, "The Impact of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Policy on Biomedical Research in the United States." There is a brief mention of mixed waste in this report, although not related to cost. Some studies are available on the EPA Web site. With the current policies issued 16 May 2001, mixed-waste management options are more readily available.

Michael T. Ryan, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on 21 November 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.