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What is the Waste Hierarchy?

The Waste Hierarchy

The Waste Hierarchy establishes a hierarchy of management options in context of increasing environmental impact, and is based on the simple premise that it is better to avoid waste generation than to treat or dispose of waste.
In the case of LLW, this is more important as the liabilities associated with the management of LLW can be significant. 
 The principles established in the hierarchy underpin good LLW management practices. Avoiding waste generation is considered a priority, whilst disposal should only be considered as a last resort. 
 
By moving up the Waste Hierarchy sites will save money, minimise raw material consumption, and reduce overall environmental impact. Capacity at the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) will also be preserved.
Joint regulatory guidance has confirmed that Waste Minimisation is a fundamental principle of radioactive waste management and that the waste management hierarchy is a stepwise approach to achieving this.

A Life Cycle approach

The Waste Hierarchy applies throughout the lifecycle of a facility; during design, construction, operation and decommissioning. Tools and techniques can be applied to ensure the hierarchy is applied at each stage. Whilst not immediately apparent, in many situations the hierarchy is embedded in such activities. Focussing on the top levels of the hierarchy as early as possible in the facility lifecycle will result in optimum benefits.
 

The Waste Hierarchy and Low Level Waste Repository

LLWR has produced a simple fact sheet to help explain the Waste Hierarchy the link to UK policy and strategy and the importance of applying it to your waste management arrangements. The implications on the LLWR are explained ……....click here  for further information