Low-level radioactive-waste-management handbook series: methods to decrease low-level-waste generation

A study of the methods of low-level waste generation by commercial nuclear fuel-cycle facilities, installations engaged in government-related nuclear activities, hospitals, universities, and research foundations that use nuclear materials for research, and industrial processors and users of radioactive materials is made by site visits and interviews. The literature on low-level waste is also reviewed to obtain documentation on preventive waste generation. Few unique developments or technological breakthroughs have been identified. The most significant waste-generation reduction results from systematic evaluation of waste generation factors throughout the facility. Methods of decreasing waste generation in terms of facility and equipment design, operation and maintenance, decontamination, and administrative controls are presented with cost/benefit relationships and examples of each method. Appendix A documents the need for decreased low-level waste generation. A bibliography is provided for each method discussed in the handbook