Method of and apparatus for encapsulating solid items

Solid items, especially radioactive waste, are contained within a monolithic block. In order to avoid items floating to the surface of the grouting mixture during formation of the block, the items are retained within a wire mesh basket arranged within an outer container. Grout is then pumped into the container. The wire mesh basket has the further advantage that extra access routes for grout to the items are provided, the extra routes being fed from the space between the basket and the container. The basket and the container may be vibrated during addition of grout to ensure void filling. (author)