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Re: Disposal of Smoke Detectors
10 CFR 30.20 exempts the end users of "gas and aerosol detectors containing
product material" from the requirements of 10 CFR 20 and 10 CFR 30, if the
detector was initially was manufactured and distributed under 10 CFR 32.26.
This generally means that the end user can dispose of domestically manufactured
smoke detectors that have been distributed as exempt units, without being
subject to NRC regulation. This interpretation is confirmed in HPPOS-150,
"Disposal Requirements for Specific and Exempt Licensed Smoke Detectors." This
states: "...Imported smoke detectors possessed under a specific license must be
returned to the manufacturer. A licensee who possesses detectors distributed as
exempt items is exempt from regulatory requirements regarding the smoke
detectors, and they may be disposed of as ordinary trash."
The one thing to be careful of is to avoid any disassembly of the devices. Some
well-meaning, but clueless individual may decide to remove the sources as a
volume reduction effort. If you do this, you lose the exemption, and will
probably have to ship the sources in a Type B cask to a licensed disposal
facility. If there's anyone around who's inclined to do this, be sure to tell
him, "Don't just do something, stand there."
The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
It's not about dose, it's about trust.
Let's look at the real problem, for a change.
Bill Lipton
liptonw@dteenergy.com
"Redmond, Randy R. (RXQ)" wrote:
> We have 100 non-working smoke detectors that contain Am-241 sources. Anyone
> know the proper disposal method?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randy Redmond
> BWXT Y-12 L.L.C.
> Y-12 National Security Complex
> Radiological Control Organization
> Email: rxq@Y12.doe.gov
> Phone: 865-574-5640
> Fax: 865-574-0117
>
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