Best Practices for Radioactive Source End-of-Life Management in the United States and Taiwan

End-of-life management for category 1 and 2 disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) presents one of the most challenging issues in the radiological industry. Short term storage, long term storage and disposal, and transport all present unique issues in lifecycle management, especially when accounting for security at all lifecycle phases. Concern about end-of-life management is widespread, but solutions are complex. To address this problem set directly, and collaboratively, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security and Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission and National Atomic Research Institute, all champions of secure lifecycle management for highly radioactive sources, have entered into a collaborative relationship. Topical areas for this collaboration are the sharing of best practices, discussing complex problem sets, and the technological exchange of cutting-edge technologies in the long-term storage and disposition spaces.