A comprehensive review on radioactive waste cycle from generation to disposal

Radioactive wastes are the byproduct of nuclear technology and industrial processes. Unlike any other waste stream, radioactive wastes are hazardous to living beings and the environment. Due to the harmful effect of radioactivity, radioactive wastes are governed and regulated by the government authority for the safety of the people and the environment. According to the waste generation and the intensity of hazardous content, countries classified their radioactive waste and implemented a management policy for each category. These strategies vary for different types of radioactive wastes and the actual radioactive contents. Mostly, at first radioactive wastes are collected and segregated into categories. Some wastes are stored in a temporary storage facility before going to the treatment phase of volume reduction, waste immunization and shielding. The majority of the waste volume after the treatment phase goes directly into long term geological disposal at ground level up to 100 m depth. Highly radioactive spent fuel and reprocessing wastes are currently stored in temporary storage facilities until a long-term disposal solution is built. This study aims to provide an overall review of the radioactive wastes and the management strategies. (author)