Acceptance criteria for waste packages at El Cabril Repository Waste Quality Verification Laboratory

Waste acceptance requirements or criteria (WAC) are the most important of the technical requirements to be met by the waste packages in order to qualify them for transport, long-term storage or disposal. These criteria will be drawn up by the national waste management agencies under guidance of and/or for approval by the licensing authorities. The WAC constitute the basis for detailed specifications by the waste conditioner of the product. Quality control is the main instrument for demonstration of compliance with these criteria. Acceptance criteria are either specific to a disposal facility or, where such facilities are not planned for the near future, for long-term storage. They may either cover a broad range of different products or be established for individual types of waste packages. In general terms, the requirements may concern the following, among other issues: clear identification and segregation of the waste category or class, normally distinguished by the waste form and the type and level of radioactivity; limitation of waste materials which may damage the package or surrounding barriers (e.g., liquids or gas-generating compounds). Certain materials are normally excluded (e.g., explosives), if radioactive waste also contains toxic chemical materials, disposal may comply with other relevant legislation; prevention/minimization of nuclide release; safe handling with limits on surface dose rates and loose contamination; mechanical strength and general durability; and handling operations such as stackability, dimensions, weight, etc