Radium Disposal & Recycling

The Eckert & Ziegler Environmental Services team have been safely handling, transporting, and disposing of Radium-containing items for over 25 years. We have amassed unparalleled experience and empirical data to help our customers dispose of this awkward waste stream in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective way.

The Radium Challenge

In the 1920’s and 1930’s the use of Radium-containing luminescent paint allowed items such as aircraft dials and compasses to be seen in the dark. This practice continued up until the 1970’s – despite items deteriorating with age – introducing a contamination hazard as well as a source of radioactive Radon gas.

Misunderstanding and a consequent under/over estimation of the activity of these sources is common. This is largely due to the unique radiological properties of Radium, coupled with variations in the Radium content of the paint and the thickness with which it was originally applied. 

Due to Radium’s unique radiological hazards, many companies and receipt facilities are unable to accept Radium-containing items for transport and disposal.

Safe Radium Disposal

At Eckert & Ziegler Environmental Services (EZE) we use our extensive experience to safely package, transport and dispose of Radium-containing items in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective way. Radioactive items containing Radium include sealed sources, lightning preventers, “health” devices (e.g. Radium blankets and Revigators), commercial smoke detectors, luminescent aircraft dials, compasses and other artefacts.

We also provide specialist characterisation of Radium-containing items, performed by our technical experts and underpinned by 25 years of knowledge, data, and experience.

No matter what Radium items you have, EZE have the solution.