What does Australia currently do with its radioactive waste?
The management of radioactive waste is governed by rigorous national and international standards. At ANSTO, low-level solid waste is segregated for long-term storage in earthquake-proof facilities. Low-level wastewater is collected, analysed and treated to reduce its radioactivity to internationally acceptable levels. The treated water is then discharged to sewer in accordance with a trade waste agreement with Sydney Water. Airborne discharges are trapped and treated. Intermediate solid waste is securely stored below ground in purpose-built facilities. Liquid waste is stored in shielded tanks before being processed into solid form for long-term storage. Spent fuel from the HIFAR and OPAL nuclear research reactors at Lucas Heights is securely stored for several years before being sent overseas for processing or storage. The intermediate level waste resulting from reprocessing of HIFAR’s fuel in France and Scotland, will be sent to Australia and stored in the proposed national radioactiv
