Los Alamos County Eco Station services were suspended on Monday, May 5, at approximately 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the day, when the Radiation Portal Detectors alerted Environmental Services staff to potential radioactive material while a collection truck was delivering its load following a routine residential route. Los Alamos County Fire Department (LAFD) and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) assessed the situation using advanced radiation detection tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and specialized procedures.
The collection truck was scanned three times to verify the alert, confirming the detection was not a false alarm. In accordance with established protocols, LAFD and LANL were immediately contacted to take over the investigation. As part of the response, the Environmental Services driver was scanned to ensure there was no personal exposure, and then the source of the detection on the truck was located.
Once identified, the collection truck was methodically unloaded in sections for thorough scanning and clearance. The radioactive isotope found was quarantined and secured away from staff and the public, where it will remain until it decays naturally. In most cases, the isotope detected is Iodine-131, a common medical isotope with an approximate 8-day half-life and a 2 to 3-week whole decay period. Disposal is only finalized once LAFD has given full clearance. After successfully identifying the detected material and finalizing response procedures, the Eco Station resumed providing services Tuesday morning, May 6, at 11:30 a.m.
“These radiation detections are not new and are commonly linked to medical treatments involving radioactive materials,” explained Environmental Service Manager Armando Gabaldon. “Everyday items like tissues, toilet paper, or even kitty litter can trigger alarms when contaminated with bodily fluids from individuals undergoing cancer treatments. The presence of Iodine-131 in such waste is often the cause.”
To help minimize disruptions and emergency responses, the County asks that residents anticipate medical treatments involving radioactive substances and contact the Eco Station ahead of time. Medical waste containing bodily fluids should be securely separated from regular household waste and not placed out for collection on your normal trash day. Environmental Services will work with residents to arrange alternative disposal options during treatment.
Gabaldon also asks the public to be aware that certain Eco Station services may be impacted or suspended in the future to ensure the safety of the public and staff, if a similar circumstance arises. Full operations should always resume once the material is identified and confirmed safe.
We appreciate the public’s cooperation in keeping our community safe. For additional questions, call 505-662-8163 or email solidwaste@lacnm.us.