I had to decommission a “graveyard” room full of samples and contaminated surfaces, appliances, walls, floors, etc.  that was beyond the capability of our RSO.  I used the firm Philotechnics out of Oak Ridge, TN.  I was very satisfied with their service.  Their number, appropriately, is 1-888-RAD-WASTE.  Plan to spend some $$$$.  Hope this helps,

I am looking for advice on proper approaches to "decommission" a lab that contains radioactive sources.  Most  are the educational variety (some dating back to the 1960's), although there is a small test tube supposedly containing uranium acetate, as well.  Advice on disposing of these materials would be appreciated.  They are all inside a lead-lined wooden box, and the hottest samples are inside lead canisters, as well.  Also present are several lead bricks and “empty” canisters, the dust/residue from which I understand to be a health concern as well.  Secondarily, there is also a small, conventional combination safe of unknown contents, but naturally, we don’t have the combination.  Please advise. Thanks to all!

Submitted by: Barry Ferm, CHO & Lab Coordinator, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa. Email: FermBarretA**At_Symbol_Here**sau.edu