The incineration of low level radioactive wastes

In Sweden, almost all low level wastes such as irradiated plastic materials, fabrics, wood, paper and rubber from nuclear power plants, nuclear research centres, nuclear fuel fabrication plants, hospitals, universities and industry are treated by incineration at the research centre Studsvik. In this way, their volume is reduced by fifty and their mass by six on an average. The remainder ashes are incorporated in concrete. After four years experience during which the radioactive release and the doses to the personnel were lower than the authorized limits, it was decided to market in different countries incineration plants of this type. Part of the excess Swedish capacity of incineration will be also available. (AF)