Disposal

The vast majority of radioactive waste is not 'disposed', it is stored safely away from people and the environment for the duration of its radioactive life.

Low-level radioactive waste

Hard-goods such as protective equipment used in nuclear power plants, medical facilities, or other industry. Although not a huge threat to people or the environment, this waste is strictly regulated. This section concentrates on the sources of low-level waste as well as how and where it is disposed.

High-level radioactive waste

Used Uranium pellets from the fuel rods of a nuclear power plant. These small, ceramic pellets are highly radioactive, and therefore dangerous to people and potentially catastrophic to the environment. This section discusses the long-term containment of this high-level waste.