Nuclear waste is a type of radioactive waste that contains nuclear and radioactively contaminated material. Nuclear waste is typically divided into two categories: low-level waste (LLW) and high-level waste (HLW). Low-level nuclear waste can be safely disposed of through shallow burial, while high-level nuclear waste requires deep geological disposal.
Nuclear power plants generate electricity by using uranium fuel to heat water and produce steam. The steam turns turbines, which drive generators that produce electricity. Once the fuel has been used, it becomes nuclear waste.
Spent nuclear fuel rods are the most dangerous type of nuclear waste. They are highly radioactive and must be stored in specially designed containers called casks.
Casks are made of thick metal walls that prevent radiation from escaping. The cask is then placed inside a concrete vault or dry storage container.
Dry storage containers are usually located near the reactors where the spent fuel was generated.
Eventually, the spent fuel rods will need to be moved to a permanent repository for long term storage.