ARCHIVE: Key Facts about: Radioactivity
Radioactive waste stocks: 1986-2007
Great Britain
Cubic metres |
|||||||
| Type of waste | 1986 | 1991 | 1994 | 1998 | 2001 | 2004 | 2007 |
| Low level (LLW) | 2,429 | 6,252 | 7,882 | 7,983 | 14,585 | 20,900 | 196,000 |
| Intermediate level (ILW) | 41,887 | 51,558 | 61,490 | 70,948 | 75,276 | 82,500 | 92,500 |
| High level (HLW) | 1,351 | 1,686 | 1,639 | 1,804 | 1,961 | 1,890 | 1,730 |
High level waste results from the reprocessing of nuclear fuel, and is highly radioactive. It exists mainly as a liquid before being turned into glass and stored.
- Stocks of HLW increased by 28 per cent between 1986 and 2004.
Intermediate level waste includes, for example, nuclear reactor components and the irradiated metal cladding for nuclear reactor fuel. There is presently no disposal route for these two types of waste and they have to be stored
- Stocks of such waste increased by 120% between 1896 and 2007.
Low level waste includes items such as nuclear workers' clothing, which is stored for short periods until disposed of in special facilities.
Note: Great Britain is the term describing the combination of England, Scotland, and Wales.
In Detail:
Artificial Sources of radiation: Stocks, Arisings and Disposal of Solid Wastes
Further Information:
- Source:
- Electrowatt Ekono (UK) Ltd
- Key Facts:
- Artificial sources
- Sustainable Development Indicators:
- M3 Radioactive waste stocks
Data Tables:
Download Chart Data: Microsoft Excel
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Page last modified: 1 December 2009
Page published: 22 June 2006