5 - Storage and Disposal

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the different ways of storing and disposing waste. Storage is defined as the emplacement of waste with the intent to retrieve it at some later time. Disposal, on the other hand, means the emplacement of waste without any intention of subsequent retrieval, or, discharge and dispersal of the waste into the environment. Some antinuclear advocates favor permanent storage, rather than deep disposal. Their argument is that perpetually visible waste, that requires constant monitoring and protection, is safer over the forthcoming centuries, and there will be no inadvertent intrusion as could happen with deeply disposed waste. Most types of nuclear wastes require some type of treatment to facilitate ultimate disposal and isolation. The processes for treatment generally fall into 3 broad categories: storage to allow radioactivity to decay; volume reduction to reduce shipping, handling, and disposal costs; and immobilization to minimize the spread of radioactivity.