**6. Radioactive waste disposal**

In compliance with national regulations, the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory has developed a simple scheme for the safe management of activated samples once they are no longer needed. These procedures are authorized and monitored by the National Nuclear Authority (Ministry of Mines and Energy). The aim of radioactive waste management is to isolate and apply protective measures to this type of waste so that there are no foreseeable future human health risks and/or negative effects on the environment.

Most of the radioactive waste corresponds to plastic materials (vials, racks, bags, tapes, etc.), as well as flux monitors and samples activated during irradiation, and also elements used in the decontamination of working areas (gloves, paper towels, plastic bags, etc.). Most of the waste is classified into three categories: Group 1 – Exempt Waste (EW), Group 2 – Very Short-Lived Waste (VSLW) and Group 3 – Very Low Level Waste (VLLW) [16].

The NAA Lab has a decay room for the temporary storage of VSLW, equipped with the necessary shielding and equipment for its safe handling. The room is locked and permanently monitored, admission is restricted to non-operating personnel, unless authorized otherwise. The stored waste is properly labeled and grouped into packages each workweek.

In order to classify and monitor temporarily stored waste, packages are analyzed by gamma spectrometry. Each package is analyzed separately in the GC-7020 detector at a reading geometry of 10 mm during 4 h, determining the activity of each of the radionuclides present.

Radioactive waste is discharged as conventional waste only when its activity reaches acceptable levels established by national regulations, with previous knowledge and consent of the Regulatory Authority. Procedures for the Management of Radioactive Waste are lined up with technical and administrative requirements established by national regulations. The following schematic allows for the safe management of radioactive samples and activated materials generated during practice.

