Radioactive Waste Management in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The management of radioactive waste in the UK is described. The role of the waste producers is to prepare it for disposal and the role of UK Nirex Ltd is to provide the necessary transport system and disposal facilities. The waste with low levels of activity will be put in trench type disposal facilities and four sites have been identified as having suitable potential, but only one will be required. The intermediate level wastes will go deep underground and desk studies are being made of under sea bed locations out at sea, close to the coast and under land locations. There is a variety of rock formations in the UK and again at least three locations will be finally identified for field investigations. The need for a transport and container system with a fully developed range of standard containers is noted. The importance of informing the public at all stages is stressed.