Wastes containing both hazardous waste and radioactive material, are generally also classed as Hazardous Wastes and must be dealt with accordingly. The most likely sources of mixed waste in laboratories are liquid scintillation cocktails that contain radioactive isotopes and organic solvents. Once a waste is determined to be a mixed waste, it must be handled in a way that meets the requirements of either the Hazardous Waste Regulations or even the Radioactive Substances Acts

The Environment Agency has a Preferred Assessment Approach flowchart to ascertain whether wastes are deemed 'Hazardous'. Click here to view the chart.