The goal of any radioactive waste management program is to reduce or eliminate health effects caused by exposure to radiation. The generation of radioactive waste is a normal result of the use of unsealed radioactive materials. Equipment and materials used may become contaminated. Unneeded sealed sources may be considered waste. When no longer needed, these items are discarded.
The safe and proper disposal of radioactive wastes reduces the chance of the spread of contamination and assures that workers are not exposed to radiation. It also assures that members of the public are not unnecessarily exposed to the radiation emitted from these wastes due to contamination of the environment and ground water.