Just Post

We have disposal technology, it just isn't economical or politically supported: the material can be reprocessed, splitting it into the transuranic elements. The uranium and plutonium can be reused as fuel, americium and other elements with industrial use directed as such. The waste left that has no use can then be stored in a smaller footprint... And as a bonus to reprocessing, would only be hazardously radioactive for 150 years rather than thousands.

This post is incorrect, and harmful. Casks do not only last for up to 100 years. They are given a 20 year certificate, and a renewable 40 year certificate inperpetuity pending safety inspection of the casket.

Wow. That’s excellent perspective on how little waste nuclear plants create!

Doesn’t seem like much, tbh

there's an awful lot of people here that don't understand volume over output. this is a small amount for 24 years when compared to the volume of toxic waste that fossil fuel plants put out.

This makes it a robust interim solution until permanent deep geological repositories are available.

Molten Salt Reactors can mostly eat these; until the newer ones come out that can eat these more easily.

Technology will find a way, with proper resourcing.

"The casks are expected to last 50–100 years...". Let's see 2025-1972=53 years. Sounds like it is nearing time to start replacing these or to figure out a better solution to reuse the high level waste.

I'm pro-nuclear power. don't get me wrong. but....spent nuclear fuel does not account for all the radioactive waste produced in fission power production. even the majority of it by mass or volume. low and intermediate radioactive waste represents a MUCH larger footprint

Nuclear energy is downright silly. "These rocks get really hot when we put them close to each other, let's boil water with it to turn turbines" lmao like something outta the scp foundation

It would be nice to see a comparison with the waste generated by other sources, over the same period and the same amount of energy generated

I don't trust modern US corporations to manage anything.

How long until people can live near Chernobyl?

until permanent deep geological repositories are available

I have been growing up with the outlook that one day we might find these yet somehow this promise/hope still sounds exactly the same many many years later

I too have played satisfactory. Next step, more containers on top of these.

What ever happened to Yucca Mountain? I thought that was supposed to solve America's nuclear waste problem for good.

Who certified the casks? If it was a private corporation, forget about the 50 to 100 years.

The casks are expected to last 50–100 years, though the fuel inside remains radioactive for thousands.

In other words, kicking the can down the road. "I hope they find a solution, but I don't care. I'll be dead by then."

So I guess the high security double fencing is not necessary then?