Long-Term Radioactive Waste Management in the United Kingdom—Nirex Perspective

Abstract

This paper sets out the background to and history of radioactive waste management in the United Kingdom (UK). It describes the lessons learned from past attempts to implement a long-term management solution, and outlines the UK Government’s current initiatives to put in place a publicly acceptable policy. The paper explains the role of Nirex, the body charged with providing the UK with safe, environmentally sound and publicly acceptable options for the long-term management of radioactive materials. It also addresses, from a Nirex perspective, issues relating to the future of radioactive waste management in the UK.