Planning and preparation is the first stage in the waste management lifecycle and is an ongoing, iterative process for each of the subsequent stages.
The key activities that take place within this stage include waste characterisation, defining and managing the inventory, developing appropriate safety cases and waste management planning.
Explore the radioactive waste lifecycle
Planning and preparation
Planning and preparation is the first stage in the waste management lifecycle and is an ongoing, iterative process for each of the subsequent stages. The key activities that take p…
Classification
Classification of radioactive waste involves placing the material within a category depending on its radioactive and, in some case, thermal properties. The two broad waste categori…
Characterisation
Characterisation of radioactive waste involves determining its physical, chemical, and radiological properties. It may be carried out in association with several of the other basic…
Retrieval
Retrieval is the recovery of waste from its current position, either for inspection purposes, for subsequent disposal or further storage in new packages or facilities. Retrieval of…
Treatment
Treatment is about undertaking a process in order to change the characteristics or state of the waste. This could include reducing the volume, removing radionuclides from the mater…
Sorting, segregation and size reduction
An activity where types of waste or material (radioactive or exempt) are separated or are kept separate on the basis of radiological, chemical and/or physical properties, to facili…
Conditioning
Conditioning involves transforming radioactive waste into a form suitable for handling, transport, storage and disposal. This may include immobilisation of radioactive waste, placi…
Packaging
The packaging stage involves the use of waste containers that are designed to provide containment through subsequent phases of the waste management lifecycle. Appropriate packaging…
Interim storage
Interim storage refers to the retention of radioactive waste in a facility or a location with the intention of retrieving the waste at some point in the future. Storage therefore a…
Transport
Radioactive waste is created across the country and must be safely transported to a range of facilities for treatment, packaging, storage and disposal. Transportation of waste can …
Disposal
Disposal is the authorised emplacement of waste in a disposal facility without the primary intention of retrieval. Disposal may also include discharging radioactive wastes such as …