Geological disposal of radioactive waste in OECD countries and the role of the Nuclear Energy Agency

An international consensus has emerged in recent years that deep geological disposal on land is an appropriate means for permanently isolating high-level radioactive waste from man's environment. Moreover, a number of OECD countries, including the United Kingdom, have decided to construct relatively deep repositories for low-level radioactive wastes. Geological disposal concepts and the timetable for implementation in eight OECD countries are summarised. In addition, the international waste management programmes of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency are outlined. (author)