Drying device and processing method for radioactive solid waste

A waste disposing vessel filled with radioactive solid wastes containing zirconium or alloys thereof is contained and sealed in a drying vessel of a drying device and then evaluated. Then, the radioactive solid wastes containing zirconium or alloys thereof in the waste disposing vessel are dried by heating using steams from the outside of the drying vessel. After the completion of the drying, the waste disposing vessel is sealed in the drying device, and the sealed waste disposing vessel is pressed after taking out from the drying vessel. Since this method requires no displacement or deaerating operation for sealing, the handling step can be saved, the working efficiency for a series of processings is improved, and there is no worry of ignition of fines due to mechanical shocks. (N.H.)