Radioactive Waste Management in OECD: National Programmes and Joint Acitivities

Abstract

The main features and timetables of the radioactive waste management programmes of the most advanced OECD countries are briefly reviewed for both low level short-lived waste and high level and spent fuel long-lived waste. Emphasis will be put on safety aspects and the main policy options adopted. In addition an overview of joint activities at international level is presented based on the programmed of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency. Most of these activities are related to long term performance assessment of disposal systems and R&D efforts. They also include a study of the potential for joint repositories accepting waste originating from several countries.