Key Issues
Nuclear Waste Disposal: Fact Sheets
Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants
This fact sheet explains the process of decommissioning a nuclear power plant after it is removed from service. This regulated process includes the removal and disposal of radioactive components and materials. The nuclear energy industry has decommissioned more than 70 test, demonstration and power reactors since 1960. Companies put aside funding for decommissioning during plant operations.
Disposal of Commercial Low-Level Radioactive Waste
This fact sheet describes the various forms of low-level radioactive waste and guidelines for its disposal.
Experience, Testing Confirm Transportation of Used Nuclear Fuel Is Safe, Reliable
The nuclear energy industry has completed more than 3,000 shipments of used nuclear fuel over the past 40 years with no injuries, fatalities or environmental damage as a result of the radioactive nature of the cargo, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yucca Mountain and Used Nuclear Fuel Management
Congress and the president in 2002 approved Yucca Mountain, Nev., as the site of the nation’s repository for used nuclear fuel and high-level defense waste. The industry concurs with the sound scientific conclusion that the proposed repository will protect public health and safety and supports its development.
Safely Managing Used Nuclear Fuel
Used fuel is a solid material that is stored safely at nuclear power plant sites. The U.S. Energy Department is developing a repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev., for disposal of used fuel. It is also researching new fuel treatment technologies that may reduce the amount of byproducts for disposal.
Status of Used Nuclear Fuel Storage at U.S. Commercial Nuclear Plants
This list details the year in which commercial nuclear plants in the United States run out of on-site storage space in the pools that hold used fuel assemblies after they are removed from the reactor.
Yucca Mountain Licensing Process to Provide Rigorous, Fair Safety Determination
This fact sheet details the federal licensing process the U.S. Department of Energy must pursue to use Yucca Mountain, Nev., as a permanent used fuel repository.
