Proper Disposal/Donation of X-Ray Equipment in South Carolina

Step 1: Confirm Equipment Status

Before disposal, you must:

Determine if the equipment still produces radiation (i.e., functional X-ray tube or Generator).
- An X-ray machine must be plugged into an electrical source in order to produce radiation. Once you unplug an X-ray machine, there's no residual radiation.
Determine if the equipment contains radioactive components.
- Cobalt 60 is a radioisotope used in radiography and medical applications. Cobalt 60 rods must be professionally removed. Once that's done, many parts of the machine can be recycled.
Ensure the equipment does not contain hazardous oils, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- X-ray machines made before July 1979 may contain a toxic substance called polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, in the transformer oil. If your machine has PCBs in it, you will need to contact a waste removal specialist to handle removal of this substance. (It's also your responsibility to test the machine for PCBs before you transfer ownership.)
Determine if the equipment contains hazardous metals.
- Older equipment may contain hazardous metals. Before taking a machine out of service you need to be aware of what's in the machine and what needs to be done to dispose of it properly.
- If your machine contains a hazardous waste metal regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you will have from 90-180 days from the decommissioning date - the day you take the machine out of service - to properly dispose of the hazardous waste or face potential fines.
Disable the machine.
- To disable an X-ray machine, you'll need to remove the head, being careful not to break the X-ray tube. The tube is under vacuum and if broken, could splinter and cause injuries.

If the unit is still operational or contains any radioactive source, you must handle it as regulated material.

Step 2: Disposal of Equipment

There are different ways to get rid of an X-ray unit. Please note, options must comply with Title B, Part II and may include:

Service Vendor Collection: Arrange for a registered X-ray Vendor to handle the disposal.
Salvage: Salvage parts from the equipment if applicable.
Landfill Disposal: If a waste disposal company will accept it, you can get rid of the whole machine at once.
Donation: Donate to organizations like Partners in Health and Project Cure, which accept high-quality, functional X-ray equipment in good condition.
Sell or Transfer: Transfer a working machine to an individual or institution that is legally able to use X-ray machines. Your X-ray vendor may know of companies that purchase used equipment.
Recycle: You can donate it to a company that recycles usable machines.
Sell for Scrap: If other methods are not feasible, consider selling the parts for scrap.

Step 3: Notify the Radiation Protection Program

Facilities must report to the Department, within thirty (30) days, any changes of status affecting any X-ray machine or facility as required by RHB 2.6 Report of Change.

*Equipment changes should be reported on SCDES Form D-0819 “Registration and/or Deletion of X-ray Producing Machines".

X-Ray Film Disposal

It is prohibited to dispose of old X-ray films in the garbage or landfill.
X-ray film contains silver emulsion, a highly reactive and flammable material and they are considered private health records. You must dispose of X-rays in ways that do not hurt the environment, create safety hazards, or compromise patient privacy as defined by HIPAA.
Please visit recyclinginsc.com/directory/ for X-ray film recycling resources, selecting the “Miscellaneous” category and the “X-Ray Films” sub-category. Please ensure the company selected is HIPAA-compliant.
In accordance with RHB 5.11.4.1, mammography films and patient reports must be maintained for at least 5 years, or 10 years if no additional mammograms of the patient are performed at the facility.
For all other types of X-ray films, consult your accrediting organization for film retention.

Prohibited Practices

Do not abandon X-ray machines.
Do not sell or give away an X-ray unit that is still operational without transfer paperwork.
Do not dispose of any radioactive source without SCDES approval.