Dear Greenburgh Residents,
It has come to our attention that radioactive materials have recently been placed in the general household trash repeatedly, resulting in “Hot Loads” being delivered to our regional waste processing facility. These incidents have caused significant disruption, including the temporary closure of the waste handling area, an inability to now use three (3) trucks and have created hazardous conditions for our sanitation personnel.
To prevent future occurrences, the Town of Greenburgh Department of Public Works is issuing the following critical guidance regarding the disposal of radioactive materials and radiological medical waste.
Improper disposal of radiological materials is strictly prohibited under New York State Public Health Law Article 13, Title XIII (Sections 1389‑AA to 1389‑GG), which governs regulated medical waste, including materials contaminated during treatment involving radioactive substances. Additionally, state regulations require that radioactive medical waste be separated, stored properly, and never placed into household waste streams under 10 NYCRR Part 70, including requirements for labeling, decay storage, and separation from other waste types.
Westchester County further prohibits the disposal of radiological and medical waste, including materials contaminated during certain therapies, in regular garbage or recycling, requiring such materials to be handled through the healthcare provider.
Strict Prohibition
Under no circumstances may radioactive materials be disposed of in regular household trash. This includes, but is not limited to:
⮚ Ionization smoke detectors
⮚ Radioactive source devices
⮚ Bio‑contaminated materials from certain medical therapies, including, but not limited to chemotherapy, etc. (e.g., adult diapers, tissues, sanitary products, kitty litter, or other absorbent materials contaminated after radiological treatment). Radiological medical waste must NOT be placed in household garbage or recycling for any reason.
What To Do Instead
⮚ Return ionization smoke detectors to the manufacturer for proper recycling and radiation-safe handling as instructed on the device packaging or the manufacturer’s website.
⮚ If you are undergoing medical treatment involving radioactive materials (i.e. chemotherapy ….):
1. Follow all instructions from your doctor or radiation safety officer regarding storage and disposal. Many items must be held for a decay period at home before being transported back to the treatment facility.
2. Store waste separately in sealed bags, following state storage requirements for radioactive materials (10 NYCRR Part 70). [H-MRF (Val…leRecycles]
3. Return all contaminated absorbent materials to the treating hospital; do not dispose of them through Greenburgh sanitation services.
4. If you are unsure whether an item contains radioactive material, contact our office before disposing of it.
What NOT to Do
⮚ Do NOT place radiological or medical waste in curbside garbage or recycling.
⮚ Do NOT dispose of radioactive source devices, ionization smoke detectors, or radiological therapy waste in the trash.
⮚ Do NOT flush radiological waste unless specifically directed by your medical provider.
⮚ Do NOT drop off radiological waste at the Town of Greenburgh DPW, the County H‑MRF, or any municipal recycling center (Westchester does not accept radiological medical waste at H‑MRF).
If you are uncertain whether an item may contain radioactive material, please contact the Town of Greenburgh Department of Public Works before disposing of it. We are here to help residents stay safe and compliant.
Contact Information
For General Information:
Town of Greenburgh Department of Public Works
Phone: 914‑989‑1580
For Medical or Radiological Waste Questions:
Westchester County Department of Health – (914) 813‑5000
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep Greenburgh safe, compliant, and protective of our workers and community.
Sincerely,
Richard C. Fon
Commissioner of Public Works