Website of the UK government

Why does the UK have radioactive waste?

The UK has radioactive waste from a variety of different nuclear programmes (such as nuclear power plants and nuclear submarines): 

• some of this waste is already in surface stores, above ground, at over twenty sites in the UK
• some radioactive material will only become waste over several decades or so, as existing nuclear plants are closed and cleaned up

There is also the possibility that new nuclear power stations will be built, and waste from those will need to be managed.

Radioactive waste is potentially dangerous to people and the environment for hundreds of thousands of years if it is not managed safely.

• What is radioactivity? Opens new window

Disposing of radioactive waste

The preferred long term approach to the disposal of radioactive waste is geological disposal – which means burying it underground.

The waste is put deep inside suitable layers of rock to ensure no significant quantities of radioactivity ever reach the surface.

A specially engineered underground containment facility is designed so that the natural geological barrier works together with the waste packaging to reduce the escape of radioactivity to an insignificant level.

• More on geological disposal Opens new window

Will the disposal be safe?

A disposal facility will need to meet high safety, security and environmental standards.

The management of the facility will be independently and strictly regulated by bodies such as the:

• Health and Safety Executive
• Office for Civil Nuclear Security
• Environment Agency
• Department for Transport (for the transport of waste to the site)

Planning permission from the relevant planning authority will also be needed before a site is built. 

• Health and Safety Executive Opens new window
• Office for Civil Nuclear Security Opens new window
• Environment Agency Opens new window
• Department for Transport Opens new window

What does it mean for the local community?

The construction and operation of a disposal facility will be a multi-billion pound, high technology project that will:

• provide skilled employment for hundreds of people over many decades
• contribute greatly to the local economy and community
• lead to knock-on benefits for other industries, infrastructure (such as roads and rail transport), education and academia and service industries that support the workforce

In addition, there may be other investment and benefits to a volunteer community, agreed by government. This will be developed and agreed between the community, the government and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and will reflect the needs of the community.

• More on the benefits of siting a disposal site in a community Opens new window
• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Opens new window

How does a local community get involved?

Expressing an interest

Any community can express an interest in getting involved in discussions with government, without making any commitment. Organisations like local authorities will probably be involved in making such an approach to government.

This will be an opportunity to find out more about:

• what hosting a disposal facility would mean
• the siting process
• how hosting the facility could benefit the community in the long term

Site assessments and community discussions

Once a community has expressed an interest, the British Geological Survey would be asked to make an assessment of the area to eliminate any sites that are obviously geologically unsuitable.

At the same time, the community would hold further discussions with local people to ensure that questions and concerns about a disposal facility are addressed.

Participating further in the siting process

The community may then decide to make a more formal commitment to participate further in the siting process. This would not mean it has to host a site – just that it will engage in further discussions with government and the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency.

Support during the process

The government will provide help towards costs that a community might incur in being involved in the process. This might include funding those who manage the local process, funding for public information and funding for community consultation.

Site identification

While the discussions with the community are taking place, more and more detailed site surveys and assessments will be made, to investigate those sites that are most likely to be suitable. This will lead to the identification of an agreed, preferred site where development can start.

• More information how communities express an interest in geological disposal Opens new window
• British Geological Survey Opens new window

More useful links

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs useful links Opens new window