Characterization challenges for re-classifying mixed wastes

Characterization of mixed waste is required to assure proper storage, to develop treatment technologies and systems, to meet Land Disposal Restrictions, to apply for a RCRA waste treatment permit, and to assure that waste disposal acceptance criteria have been met. Some of the wastes generated at the US Department of Energy's Rocky Flats Plant have been conservatively categorized as mixed wastes when all or some of the wastes may be found to be radioactive waste only.Because of the high cost of characterizing, treating and disposing of mixed wastes, it is of benefit to re-classify any wastes which ma not be mixed wastes, and to determine if any mixed wastes already meet LDR regulations. Regulators have suggested re-classifying certain mixed wastes based on a detailed investigation (as opposed to delisting the mixed wastes) performed as part of an overall plan to treat and dispose of mixed wastes.