Recent developments in the management of low-level radioactive wastes around the world

The criteria and technology for the management of low-level radioactive wastes have largely been established. Conventional engineered processes are commonly used to treat the wastes while fixation, if employed, uses cement or bitumen. Indefinite storage in surface facilities or burial in shallow land sites are commonly used for disposal. Definitiion of waste categories vary from country to country, but all waste generators design and operate their waste facilities to hold human exposures and environmental releases within internationally accepted guidelines. Recent interest has been directed at achieving a consensus on a de minimis risk level. New and improved facilities continue to be put into operation both for treatment and disposal of low-level wastes. Notable examples are the use of ''supercompactors'' in the Netherlands and West Germany and the engineered surface storage facilities used by the French. The international agencies, IAEA, OECD/NEA, and CEC, have also been active in promoting improvements in management of low-level wastes