Economics of transuranic waste immobilization and disposal

Seven proposed transuranic (TRU) waste immobilization systems are assessed and evaluated on the basis of costs. Specific cost components that are estimated include processing costs, transportation costs, and repository or disposal costs. Economics are examined to determine the effects that each component has on the system costs. The evaluation led to two recommended systems based on these cost component evaluations. A cast-cement system is recommended for immobilized TRU wastes disposed in a defense-related waste repository because of lower processing costs and a reduced incentive for waste volume reduction. The joule-heated glass system is recommended for the immobilized TRU wastes placed in a commercial waste repository since the increased disposal cost places a greater emphasis and value upon an immobilization system which provides a large volume reduction