Elevated Radiation Levels Detected, Garbage Truck Detained By County

PORT CHESTER, NY — Officials believe there is likely a simple, but still frustrating, reason that a municipal garbage truck was ordered into isolation after elevated radiation levels were detected.

The Village of Port Chester said radiation detection equipment at a regional waste transfer facility identified radioactive material within a garbage truck. As part of standard safety protocols, when radioactive material is detected, the vehicle is detained at the facility until the material decays to acceptable levels. This process can take days or, in some cases, weeks, officials said.

"In certain instances, individuals undergoing cancer treatment or nuclear medicine procedures may generate waste products that contain detectable levels of radioactivity," the village said.

Although the cause of the concerning incident seems to be accidental, rather than nefarious, the consequences could be lasting.

"A single contaminated load can remove an entire sanitation truck from service, significantly impacting village operations and reducing our ability to efficiently collect and manage refuse throughout the community," the village said in a statement. "The loss of a collection vehicle places considerable strain on sanitation services, including route delays, reduced collection efficiency, increased operational costs, and challenges in maintaining the level of service residents expect and deserve."

In an effort to keep any other trucks from being potentially impacted, the village sent a notice to homes located in the vicinity of Shelley Avenue/ Robert Avenue/ Hawley Avenue.

"Residents are reminded that radioactive materials must never be disposed of in household garbage," sanitation officials told those residents. "In certain instances, individuals undergoing cancer treatment or nuclear medicine procedures may generate waste products that contain detectable levels of radioactivity. If you or someone in your household has recently undergone such treatment, please consult your healthcare provider regarding the proper handling and disposal of any related materials before placing them in the trash."

Officials reiterated that the village cannot accept radioactive materials under any circumstances.