Abstract

The sources, treatment, storage and transport, and disposal of nuclear wastes are presented. Regulations are provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The principal sources of waste from nuclear reactors are fission products and neutron activation products. Many treatment methods are available to reduce waste volume whether it involves management of spent fuel or low-level waste. Most spent fuel is stored in water pools at reactor sites, awaiting completion of a repository. Dry storage is an alternative. Disposal by deep burial is planned for spent fuel, and by enhanced confinement near the surface for low-level waste. Site characterization is being carried out. Isolation of waste from the public is essential. The future of nuclear power depends in part on successful waste disposal.