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Disposing of X-Ray Equipment in Texas

Instructions for disassembling X-ray equipment, checking components for PCBs, and properly disposing of the components.

Before you remove an X-ray machine from service, consider contacting a commercial X-ray assembler to disable, disassemble, and dispose of the equipment for you. Find these companies that sell, repair, purchase, and dispose of X-ray equipment by doing a search for “X-ray equipment suppliers” or “X-ray equipment repair.”

To dispose of X-ray equipment properly, follow these steps:

  1. Disable the unit.
  2. Check the components for PCBs.
  3. Dispose of the components properly.

Disabling the Unit

Do not smash the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube is under vacuum. If you break it, you might be injured by flying glass fragments.

To disable an X-ray unit:

  1. Remove the head from the unit.
  2. If the unit has an electric cord, cut the cord off.

Checking Components for PCBs

If your X-ray system was manufactured before 1979, the transformers and capacitors in it might contain oil made with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Before disposing of these machines, you (the owner) must have them tested for PCB content.

The concentration of PCBs detected in the analysis will determine your options for disposing of each component.

Disposing of Disassembled X-Ray Units

The components of most X-ray units may be disposed of in a municipal landfill. Contact your local waste management contractor to make sure they will accept the unit. You may wish to sell the metal components for scrap.

To terminate a certificate of registration, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services webpage on X-ray machines

For more information about properly managing solid waste, see our webpage on Municipal Solid Waste.

If you have further questions concerning the testing or disposal of PCBs, go to the EPA’s PCB webpage .