[en] This paper reviews the background to the current public awareness campaign on the management of radioactive wastes, which culminated in the publication by UK Nirex Limited of a Discussion Document 'The Way Forward'. The lessons learned from previous confrontations with communities and pressure groups are outlined together with the philosophy behind the Company's comprehensive discussion programme. An open policy of information distribution, while necessary was not enough. Therefore previous Nirex public information programmes had been less successful than hoped. Much has been learned from the problems encountered and this has been applied to develop a new programme. The importance of inviting people to take part in the decision process is manifest, and the discussion process was designed to encourage participation. It was an important step in overcoming the perception of secrecy which still surrounds the nuclear industry as a whole. It was unlikely that many communities would volunteer to take responsibility for the nations nuclear waste, although there are encouraging signs that some communities see the potential benefits outweigh perceived risks. However, by actively airing the matter in the general absence of local controversy a lot of accurate and hopefully persuasive information has been passed to many people and organisations in an atmosphere conducive to gaining their attention. If the Nirex discussion programme achieved nothing else there should be no local authority in the United Kingdom who does not know who we are, what we are doing and why. Having made a good start it is essential that an open debate continues and that local communities continue to share in the decision making process. There will be problems to overcome especially where unpopular recommendations have to be made but Nirex will continue to make every effort to win confidence and support by deeds as well as words