Radioactive Waste - any waste that contains, or is contaminated with any radioactive material. This includes liquids, solids, animal carcasses and excreta, used scintillation vials/cocktails, etc. A radioactive waste must not be disposed of as regular waste. Non-Radioactive waste should not be disposed of as radioactive waste.

Mixed Waste - radioactive waste that also has the characteristics of a hazardous waste as defined by the State of Maryland or the EPA. There are several chemicals which are specifically regulated by the State and the EPA as hazardous waste, and many more which possess the characteristics of a hazardous waste because they are corrosive, reactive, toxic, or otherwise potentially harmful to the environment. There are currently no permitted disposal options for most mixed waste, therefore care must be taken to avoid the generation of these waste. Plans for the proper management of these materials should be reviewed with the Radiation Safety Office and the Hazardous Waste Division in the early stages of an experiment.

Mixed Wastes include contaminated lead pigs or other lead shielding and radioactively contaminated organic liquid waste that contains a regulated chemical. One common example is liquid scintillation media containing toluene or xylene.

Dry Solid Waste - Gloves, paper, plastic, glass, metal or other solids that contains radioactive material or is contaminated with radioactive material.

Liquid Waste - Organic and aqueous liquids containing radioactive. Liquid waste must be segregated from solid waste. Organic and aqueous liquids must be stored separately in appropriate containers.

Liquid Scintillation Vial Waste - Capped scintillation vials containing either organic or biodegradable scintillation fluid contaminated with radioactive material.

Radioactive Sharps - Radioactively contaminated syringe, needle, surgical instrument or other article which has the potential to cut or puncture human skin.