Approaches to Disposal of Nuclear Waste Michael I. Ojovan

2022
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Figure 3. 
Logic diagram illustrating the use of the IAEA classification scheme to assist in determin-
ing disposal options. Reproduced with permission of the IAEA from [16]. 

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Energies
2022
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2.3. National Classifications 
Many countries use their own nuclear waste classification system, typically custom-
ised to fit local needs. Disposal end point is, however, what is the most used to define 
waste classes as recommended by IAEA [16]. Moreover, as part of Joint Convention [17], 
each country reports to IAEA on their national system of waste classification and reports 
a national inventory of radioactive waste. Table 1 gives the nuclear waste classification 
scheme of the UK, which has been set for use by DEFRA (the governmental Department 
of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) in 2007 [18]. 
Table 1. 
Classification of radioactive waste in the UK. 
Waste Class 
Parameters 
VLLW, low volume 
Wastes that can be disposed of with ordinary refuse, each 
0.1 m
3
of material containing less than 400 kBq of 
beta/gamma activity and is mostly comprised of small vol-
umes from hospitals and universities. For carbon-14 and 
tritium-containing wastes, the activity limit is 4000 kBq for 
each 0.1 m
3
in total.
VLLW, high volume 
Radioactive waste with an upper limit of 4 MBq per tonne 
(not including tritium) that can be disposed of at specified 
landfill sites. For tritium-containing wastes, the upper limit 
is 40 MBq per tonne.
LLW 
Wastes containing radioactive materials other than those 
suitable for disposal with ordinary refuse, but not exceed-
ing 4 GBq per tonne of alpha or 12 GBq per tonne of 
beta/gamma activity.
ILW 
Wastes with radioactivity levels exceeding the upper 
boundaries for LLW that do not need heating to be taken 
into account in the design of storage or disposal facilities. 
HLW 
Wastes in which the temperature may rise significantly as 
a result of their radioactivity, so this factor has to be taken 
into account in designing storage or disposal facilities.
Germany applies the principle “Polluter pays”. Radioactive waste can be collected at 
the regional (land) and centralised radioactive waste management facilities. Nuclear 
waste can be stored at interim storage facilities and after processing (if it is not obeying 
requirements for clearance level) be disposed of in geological formation in such facilities 
as Morsleben, Konrad, and Asses II mine repositories. Figure 4 shows the nuclear waste 
classification scheme of Germany as it stands, based on IAEA generic classification. 

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Energies