The following information was provided by the
New Jersey Bureau of Environmental Radiation Radiological & Environmental Assessment Section (
NJDEP) via phone and email:
On June 12, 2025, NJDEP was notified that three containers of waste were rejected at Stericycle in Elizabeth after triggering their radiation alarm. Stericycle indicated that the waste originated from the licensee, SOFIE Co. A maximum reading of 10 kcpm [kilo counts per minute] was observed, with a background of 4 kcpm. The radiation safety officer (RSO) of SOFIE was contacted and confirmed that all sealed sources were still within their possession. They indicated the waste was likely short-lived F-18. With this understanding, the waste was allowed to decay for a few days. Upon resurveying, no decrease in radiation levels was observed. The RSO stated that it was then likely to be filters which collect activation waste during cyclotron production. Staff from NJDEP responded at this time, and collected exposure rate readings on contact with the containers, which ranged from 36.3 micro-R/h to 236 micro-R/h. A gamma spectrometry analysis made preliminary identifications of Co-56, Co-57, and Co-58, which are expected activation isotopes. SOFIE then retrieved the containers and returned them to their facility to conduct an investigation. It was noted that the waste log indicated that two containers were closed without proper documentation of an outgoing survey to confirm background levels. The other container was surveyed and indicated background levels, which was inaccurate. Full investigation details are still pending.
The root cause is under investigation
Incident or investigation number: 452369-INV250001