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Types of Radioactive Waste

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Waste generation in Switzerland
Different types of radioactive waste and their sources in Switzerland

The Nuclear Energy Ordinance in Switzerland distinguishes the following categories of waste.

Art. 51 Categories of radioactive waste
For the purpose of disposal, radioactive waste is divided into the following categories:
 

  • high-level waste (HLW):
    • spent fuel (SF) not destined for reprocessing;
    • vitrified fission product solutions from reprocessing of spent fuel;
  • alpha-toxic waste (ATW): waste with a content of alpha-emitters exceeding a value of 20,000 Becquerels per gram of conditioned waste;
  • low- and intemediate-level waste (L/ILW): all other radioactive waste.

For disposal, Nagra allocates the waste to different repository types:







Deep geological repository for HLW/SF for spent fuel and vitrified fission product solutions from reprocessing.

Deep geological repository for low- and intermediate-level waste (L/ILW). 

 

 

 

 Spent Fuel (SF) rods canister design
HLW vitrified waste canister design
L/ILW low/intermediate level disposal drum
 

Grimsel's role in Research

The Grimsel Test Site (GTS) is a scientific test site and not a potential repository site; although investigations may utilise a wide range of radioactive tracers, no radioactive waste will be disposed of at the GTS.

The GTS underground facilities are also available to interested 3rd parties for underground testing and research. The GTS offers cost-effective access to a fully developed, well characterised underground research facility with round the year logistical support - please contact Dr. Ingo Blechschmidt, Head of the Grimsel Test Site, for further details.