Radioactive Waste Detected In Jenkintown's Trash Stream

JENKINTOWN, PA — Radioactive waste has been detected in the borough's trash system, officials said Monday.

The borough's contracted waste hauler, Republic Services, notified the borough that its radioactive waste monitor has indicated a positive test in the trash stream at the trash transfer station.

The hauler said a truck has been quarantined until materials are identified and removed, officials said.

Republic Services states the detection may be caused by improper disposal of items contaminated with residual medical waste, specifically chemotherapy waste materials.

Republic Services has also reported that the readings are often caused by products designed for bodily waste disposal and/or personal hygiene, such as diapers, depends, gauze wrap, gauze patches, needles, etc.

While these items are normally disposed of in the regular curbside collection, when an individual is undergoing medical procedures that utilize low level radioactive elements, such as chemotherapy, those items must then be properly disposed of at a local hospital or they can be held for seven days/next pick up as it has a quick/short shelf life.

Republic Services is asking its customers to take appropriate action to dispose of these items.

The borough could be liable for costs of proper disposal and cleaning as well any delays that could occur with trash collection if proper safe handling of these waste materials is not followed.

Any residents with questions should contact Republic Services at 610-265-6337. If there is an emergency, please call 911.