Waste management optimization: The COGEMA answer Original Research Article

The reprocessing-conditioning-recycling (RCR) strategy experimented by COGEMA drastically reduces the volume and the radiotoxicity of ultimate residues to be disposed. Technical improvements at the La Hague reprocessing plant, including compaction of hulls and end-fittings, decreases the volume of long-lived residues to less than 0.5 m3 per t HM (heavy metal), far less than 2 m3 yielded for direct disposal of spent fuel. Moreover, a Universal Canister of same shape and dimensions as a glass canister for vitrified fission products has been designed to standardize these residues. Respectively, the new management of short-lived technological wastes will lessen their volume from 1.4 m3 per t HM in 1995 down to around 0.6 m3 by 2000.