NRC Keeps Tabs on Radioactive Waste with Form Renewals
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing its approval to collect info using Forms 542 and 542A, which track low-level radioactive waste shipments. This affects companies handling this waste, who must keep submitting these forms to stay in the clear. Comments on this renewal are open until February 9, 2026, with no new costs expected—just keeping the system running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Continued reporting for LLRW shippers
If your business ships low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) for disposal, you (waste collectors and waste processors) must continue to complete NRC Forms 542 and 542A or Agreement State equivalent forms when shipping to a licensed LLRW disposal facility. This renewal keeps the existing paperwork requirement in place without changing when the forms are required.
Estimated annual paperwork burden
The NRC estimates 623 annual responses from about 71 respondents, requiring a total of 467 hours per year to complete NRC Forms 542/542A. These totals are the agency's estimate of the annual time burden for entities that ship LLRW.
Renewal only — no form changes or new costs
The NRC is renewing OMB approval for Forms 542 and 542A and states that the current extension does not include changes to the forms. The agency expects no new costs from this renewal and is keeping the existing system in place.
Flexible delivery options for form submissions
NRC Forms 542/542A are not required to physically accompany shipments; they may be mailed or electronically transferred to the consignee prior to arrival, or delivered with the waste to the consignee upon agreement. This allows multiple submission methods for businesses that ship LLRW.
Forms attribute waste to original generator
Forms 542/542A are used to attribute LLRW to the original waste generator for regional waste compact tabulation under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985. The forms collect generator identification, name, phone, address, manifest number, and waste description.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22419, Information Collection: NRC Forms 540 and 540A, Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest (Shipping Paper) and Continuation Page
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing its approval to collect info using Forms 540 and 540A, which track low-level radioactive waste shipments. This affects companies that handle or ship this waste, keeping safety and records in check. They want your comments by February 9, 2026, but no big changes or costs are expected—just a smooth paperwork update!
Next: 2025-22421, Information Collection: NRC Forms 541 and 541A, Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest Container and Waste Description and Continuation Page
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing its approval to collect info using NRC Forms 541 and 541A, which track low-level radioactive waste shipments. This affects companies handling this waste, who must keep using these forms with no big changes or extra costs. You can share your thoughts by February 9, 2026, to help shape the process.