Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency

ENV10: Ratio of solid radioactive waste awaiting disposal to total generated 
solid radioactive waste 
Brief Definition 
This indicator is a measure of the accumulated 
quantities of solid radioactive waste awaiting near-
surface or geological disposal from all steps in the 
nuclear and non-nuclear fuel cycles. These 
quantities include all radioactive wastes originating 
from energy fuel cycles, including mining, milling, 
energy generation and other related processes. 
Radioactive wastes in solid form are classified and 
categorized according to national definitions or as 
proposed here. This indicator represents a set of 
indicators that includes one for each type of 
radioactive waste 
Units 
Percentage based on cubic metres (m
3
) of solid 
radioactive waste (or tonnes of heavy metal [tHM] 
for spent fuel) awaiting disposal over total 
generated radioactive waste 
Alternative Definitions 
Accumulated quantity of radioactive waste 
awaiting disposal or ratio of radioactive waste 
properly disposed of to total generated radioactive 
waste 
Agenda 21 
Chapter 22: Safe and environmentally sound 
management of radioactive wastes 
POLICY RELEVANCE 
(a) Purpose: By providing the share of radioactive waste still awaiting disposal, this 
indicator shows the relative status of the existing radioactive waste at any given time 
for any energy fuel cycle. Increasing shares of radioactive waste awaiting disposal 
over time would indicate an increasing need in the long term for appropriate disposal 
options, such as near-surface or geological disposal. 
(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: Energy is a key to sustainable 
development, and the appropriate management of solid radioactive waste generated by 
energy fuel cycles is a major priority. As described in the chapter on radioactive waste 
(Chapter 22) of Agenda 21, it is important to ensure that radioactive wastes are safely 
managed, transported, stored and disposed of, with a view to protecting human health 
and the environment in the short and long terms. 
Radioactive waste is an environmental concern associated with different energy 
generation systems and in particular with nuclear power. To protect human health and 
the environment, waste management strategies and technologies exist and are being 
employed, especially by the nuclear industry. Fundamental principles of radioactive 
waste management involve minimization of waste arisings and systematic 
management of the treatment, conditioning, storage and disposal of such waste. Waste 
management strategies are designed to confine and contain the radionuclides within a 

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system of engineered and natural barriers. Other fuel chains besides nuclear produce 
some radioactive waste; thus, this indicator should also be applied to those fuel 
chains.