About Nuclear Waste Services
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is here to provide solutions that are vitally important to the UK today and for future generations.
Using our facilities and expertise, NWS will continue to safely manage radioactive waste already created over the past 70 years – and will support the UK Government’s net zero ambition by preparing to safely manage future radioactive waste.
Who we are
NWS brings together the best of the UK’s expertise in radioactive waste management. We have an expert team whose skills cover nuclear science, technology, engineering, safety, security, programme management, communications and engagement and environmental protection.
The creation of NWS in January 2022 brought together the expertise of LLW Repository Ltd, Radioactive Waste Management Ltd, and the NDA group’s Integrated Waste Management Programme (IWMP).
We offer solutions across preparation and planning, treatment and packaging, and disposal of radioactive waste.
NWS is part of the NDA group, which has a collective long-term mission to clean up nuclear sites safely, securely, and cost-effectively. Our activities provide the end point in the nuclear journey and are critical to the NDA’s mission.
Why our work matters
For more than 70 years, nuclear technology has been a part of our lives in the UK. It currently provides around 15% of the UK’s electricity and is used in industry, medicine, research, and defence.
All of this activity has created a legacy of nuclear waste. There are more than 4 million cubic metres of waste still to be recovered and treated to complete the UK’s existing decommissioning programme.
Using our facilities and expertise, NWS will continue to safely manage waste already created over the past 70 years. We will also contribute to the UK Government’s net zero ambition by preparing to safely manage future waste.
Our vision, mission and strategic objectives
NWS was created with the vision to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
Our mission is to safely manage and dispose of radioactive waste. We provide sustainable solutions that protect people and the environment now and for the future.
We have three strategic objectives:
Right Waste Form in the Right Package in the Right Facility
We are enabling waste prevention, recycling, and the minimising of overall volumes, ensuring that the waste hierarchy is applied throughout the radioactive waste management lifecycle. We are setting standards and providing specialist advice and services so that the waste form is assigned to the right package and right facility. Safety is our priority to ensure protection of people and the environment, now and in the future, whilst promoting sustainable practices.
Accelerate Decommissioning by Innovation
We will work with waste producers to overcome a range of waste challenges and to capitalise on opportunities. We will do this by thinking differently about waste, innovating in everything we do, applying new technologies and solutions, addressing gaps, and enabling a flexible approach to long-term waste management.
Value for the UK
We will deliver cost effective waste treatment and disposal facilities for the UK’s radioactive waste. We are supporting integration across the NDA group and the supply chain and we’re building and sharing sustainable capabilities that deliver timely solutions, efficiencies, and value for the taxpayer. We’re also investing in our communities, boosting local economies, and creating a pipeline of talent and expertise for UK waste professionals and leaders by creating jobs for the future.
Our 10 by 2030 Roadmap
Our success in delivering our mission will be measured against the delivery of our key strategic milestones: ’10 by 2030’.