Planning and preparation
Planning and preparation are the foundation of successful nuclear waste management. Activities include waste characterisation, defining and managing radioactive waste inventory, developing safety cases, and integrated waste management planning.
Radioactive waste inventory
There is a national record of radioactive material in the UK, called the UK Radioactive Waste and Materials Inventory.
It also holds records on radioactive materials which are not classed as waste now, but may be in future, if no further use can be found for them.
The Inventory is updated every three years and takes a snapshot of wastes and materials at a specific point in time, called the ‘stock date’.
Integrated Waste Management Programme (IWMP)
As part of effective planning and preparation, a collaborative and integrated approach to nuclear waste management is vital.
NWS leads the Integrated Waste Management Programme (IWMP) to improve radioactive waste management.
The Programme brings the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group and wider industry together to make improvements by addressing gaps and introducing new technologies and capabilities. This collaborative approach is crucial for delivering more efficiency, greater speed and lower costs.
“As part of effective planning and preparation, a collaborative and integrated approach to nuclear waste management is vital.”
Paul Tuohy, Director of Strategy and Waste at Nuclear Waste Services
Sustainable waste management
95%
In 2009, 95% of waste went straight to disposal at the Low Level Waste Repository site
2%
In 2021, just 2% of waste arising went to disposal
98%
The rest has been successfully diverted (for example, re-used or recycled)
