Impact of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Parameters on Radioactive Waste Classification Using the Fuel-cycle Integration and Tradeoffs (FIT) Model

摘要

The radioactive waste classification system in the United States primarily relies on a source-based framework (e.g., U.S. wastes are categorized by where they originated, not the specific hazards posed by their disposal). This approach is known to have many deficiencies [1], such as e.g. definition inconsistencies and the creation of orphan wastes. Furthermore, the option of advanced nuclear fuel cycles would lead to the creation of different waste streams that, under the current source-based framework, could all be defined as high-level waste (HLW), even if their characteristics and hazard levels may not reflect the need for HLW disposal requirements or may simplify and improve the performance of disposal.