Safely managing Australia's radioactive waste
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Date
2015-12-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
In Australia, radioactive waste is only produced from beneficial uses of radioactive materials in
medicine, research and industry - and the operation of the research reactor at ANSTO. The waste
is made up of radioactive material that has no foreseeable further use. Just like car batteries,
mobile phones and some household chemicals, this material requires particular procedures and
methods for its management, storage and disposal.
Australian governments impose strict controls on radioactive waste management including
treatment to convert the waste into a solid stable form and measurement to determine the
amount of radioactivity.
At present, more than 100 sites across Australia are licenced to store low and intermediate level
radioactive materials on an interim basis. This includes sites at ANSTO, as well as in metropolitan
areas and regional towns and cities. Although safe, these storage conditions are temporary or not
designed for disposal and long term storage. Many of those facilities are also nearing capacity.
As per international best practice, purpose-built national facility is the safest and most cost effective
way to manage radioactive waste disposal and storage over the long term. The Australian Government
is currently seeking an appropriate site for Australia’s national radioactive waste management facility.
Description
Keywords
ANSTO, Australia, Radioactive waste management, Storage, Waste storage, Waste management
Citation
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (2015). Safely managing Australia's radioactive waste. Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.