BGE logo - back to BGE.de homepage
  1. BGE
  2. Radioactive waste

Radioactive waste

Radioactive waste, which is commonly referred to as nuclear waste, is mainly generated during the operation of nuclear power plants and subsequently during their decommissioning. Research (and to a lesser extent industry and medicine) also generates radioactive waste.


Germany has decided to dispose of all types of radioactive waste deep underground. High demands are placed on the site selection, licensing, and operation of final repositories.


On the following pages you will find background information on: types of waste and how they are generated, treatment, packaging, and storage, container control, the actors and their responsibilities.

 

An employee eliminates contamined residuals with a high-pressure cleaner. Link to page "Types of waste and how they are generated"

Types of waste and how they are generated

The use of radioactive materials for electricity production or in industry generates radioactive waste. It is differed into different types of waste.

 

 

 

Employees decontaminate waste containers in an acid bath in an interim storage facility. Link to page "Treatment, packaging and storage"

Treatment, packaging, and storage

Radioactive waste must be pretreated and packed before it can be disposed of permanently.

 

Link to page "Actors and responsibilities"

Actors and responsibilities

Numerous actors with various responsibilities are involved in the disposal of radioactive waste. The most important actors are presented here.