There are different categories of nuclear waste. Low-level radioactive waste, such as contaminated gloves, can be disposed of in landfill sites. Higher-level waste, which may be dangerously radioactive, is more difficult to dispose of. It can be reprocessed to extract nuclear fuel or encased in glass and left deep underground.
Nuclear waste categories
Category
Examples
Disposal
Low level
Contaminated equipment, materials and protective clothing
Disposed of in drums and surrounded by concrete, and in clay-lined landfill sites
Intermediate level
Components from nuclear reactors, radioactive sources used in medicine or research
Mixed with concrete and put in a stainless steel drum in a purpose-built store
High level
Used nuclear fuel and chemicals from reprocessing fuels
Stored underwater in large pools for 20 years, then placed in storage casks in purpose-built underground stores where air can circulate to remove the heat produced. High-level waste decays into intermediate-level waste over many thousands of years.
Category
Low level
Examples
Contaminated equipment, materials and protective clothing
Disposal
Disposed of in drums and surrounded by concrete, and in clay-lined landfill sites
Category
Intermediate level
Examples
Components from nuclear reactors, radioactive sources used in medicine or research
Disposal
Mixed with concrete and put in a stainless steel drum in a purpose-built store
Category
High level
Examples
Used nuclear fuel and chemicals from reprocessing fuels
Disposal
Stored underwater in large pools for 20 years, then placed in storage casks in purpose-built underground stores where air can circulate to remove the heat produced. High-level waste decays into intermediate-level waste over many thousands of years.