Radioactive Waste

• Radioactive waste


  Waste that contains radioactivity and serves no other further uses
• Radioactive waste is classified as radioactive when its substances are unstable and emit ionizing radiation, which is a hazard to human health and the environment and therefore, requires careful handling for safety purposes
• Sources of radioactive waste

  • Nuclear power plants
  • Medicine
  • Agriculture
  • Research
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Mineral exploration
• Radioactive waste


  • Differs from other hazardous materials in terms of its longevity
  • The radioactivity contained in radioactive wastes is short-lived compared to other hazardous wastes
• Types of radioactive waste

  • Low-Level Waste
  • Intermediate-Level Waste
  • High-Level Waste
• Low-Level Waste


  • Classified as having an alpha activity not exceeding 4 GBq/t and a beta activity not exceeding 12 GBq/t
  • Typically generated from hospitals and industries and mostly contains short-lived radioactivity, therefore proper safety attire is not mandatory
• Intermediate-Level Waste


  • Like low-level waste but with a higher radioactivity and generating heat not greater than 2 kW/m^3
  • Requires some safety attire to prevent any contact with its higher radioactivity
  • Typically in resins, chemical sludges, metal fuel cladding, and contaminated materials from reactor decommissioning
• High-Level Waste


  • The highest classification of waste which contains a significant amount of radioactivity that produces heat that is greater than 2 kW/m^3 causing also its surroundings to heat up
  • Requires cooling and proper safety attire when handling
  • The primary source is a result from the burning of uranium fuel in nuclear reactors
• Sources of radioactivity


  • Nuclear reactors
  • Fuel processing plants
  • Hospitals
  • Research facilities
• Sources of radioactive waste

  • Mining through to fuel fabrication
  • Electricity generation
  • Reprocessing of used fuel
  • Decommissioning nuclear plants
  • Legacy waste
  • Non-nuclear power waste
• Radioactive waste poses significant negative effects on both human health and the environment
• Exposure to radioactive materials can lead to genetic mutations, increasing the risk of hereditary diseases and disorders for future generations
• Improper disposal of radioactive waste can lead to soil contamination, disrupting ecosystems and agricultural productivity
• Control and management of radioactive waste

  1. During mining and milling, tailings containing naturally occurring radioactive elements are collected and stored in engineered dams to prevent leakage of radon gas and ensure long-term stability

  2. Reprocessing of used fuel is a key strategy to reduce the volume of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and recover valuable fissile materials for recycling

  3. Deep geological disposal in stable rock formations is the preferred method to isolate waste from the biosphere for thousands of years

  4. Multiple barrier systems, including corrosion-resistant containers and impermeable backfills, are employed to contain and immobilize radioactive elements, ensuring long-term safety
• The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the Philippines was completed but never operated due to concerns and controversies
• Allegations of corruption surrounded the BNPP project, with suspicions of improper financial dealings between the government and the contractor, Westinghouse
• There were also questions about the fairness of the bidding process, with claims that General Electric was unfairly sidelined in favor of Westinghouse
• Ongoing discussions center around the potential reopening of the BNPP due to the Philippines' growing energy demands
• Advocates highlight the BNPP's cost-effectiveness and energy benefits, while opposers emphasize the high expenses and advocate for alternative energy projects
• Safety concerns, especially regarding seismic hazards near the plant, prompt calls for comprehensive safety assessments before any decision to restart operations