In this article I present a somewhat detailed discussion of four examples of nuclear waste policy issues, in the hope that this may better convey an idea of the complexity of the entire topic. The first will show how drastically our perception of the waste‐disposal issue has changed in recent years, and should thus teach us some caution with regard to our present understanding. The second is geotechnical: It concerns site for high‐level nuclear waste and demonstrates some of its problems. The third concerns uranium mill tailings and will show the environmental risks posed by the very large volumes of low‐level radioactive wastes. The last example will address the least predictable aspect of long‐term management of nuclear wastes: future human activities, and how they affect the proper planning of nuclear waste disposal.

Topics
Policy issues, Nuclear waste disposal, Radioactive waste disposal, Chemical elements, Teaching
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© 1982 American Institute of Physics.
1982
American Institute of Physics
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