Planning and preparation of nuclear waste
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
The UK Radioactive Waste and Materials Inventory (UKRWI), published every three years, is the UK’s official national record. It provides a detailed snapshot of more than 1,200 waste streams, capturing what exists today and what may arise in future, including materials that could become waste. As one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind, it underpins decision-making across government, regulators and industry.
Explore the full suite of reports and data to understand how the Inventory supports long-term safety, environmental protection and responsible planning for future generations.
Integrated Waste Management Programme (IWMP)
As part of effective planning and preparation, a collaborative and integrated approach to nuclear waste management is vital.
Nuclear Waste Services leads the Integrated Waste Management Programme (IWMP) to improve planning nuclear waste preparation and nuclear waste disposal to ensure effective 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)
