The IAEA programme on assisting member states with 'BOSS' borehole-type disposal facilities

Radiation sources are being used in almost all countries worldwide. After these sources have been used and when they become waste, the only waste management options available for disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) in developing countries are to return them to the supplier, when possible, or to store them safely. The paper presents the IAEA contribution to the development of borehole-type technology dedicated to the disposal of disused sealed radioactive sources and other radioactive waste types from nuclear applications. It also describes the assistance proposed by the IAEA to its Member States through the possible implementation of borehole disposal facilities to solve the long term management issue of disused sources in a safe and sustainable manner. (author)