Recently, a small number of trash loads were rejected at our disposal facility due to the presence of low-level radioactive materials. These materials are most commonly associated with medical treatments for people or pets that use radioactive isotopes, and household items such as smoke detectors, which contain trace amounts of radioactive material.
These situations have been safely identified and taken care of following established protocols. When a load is flagged, it is returned to the Town and carefully handled. This process requires locating and isolating the affected material, which involves removing and scanning the contents of the trailer item by item. In a recent case, the material was identified as diapers containing medical waste from a household undergoing treatment.
While the process is effective, rejected loads are costly and time-consuming to manage and place an additional burden on Town staff and disposal operations.
What residents should do:
- If you or your pet are receiving nuclear or radioactive medical treatments, please contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian for specific guidance on proper disposal of any potentially affected materials.
- These items should not be placed in regular household trash unless you have been advised that it is safe to do so.
The Town appreciates residents’ cooperation and understanding. Proper handling of these materials helps protect workers, reduce disruptions, ensure the continued safe operation of our waste disposal system, and avoid additional or unnecessary disposal costs.