In a reactor, the fission of Uranium-235 results in the formation of radioactive nuclei called fission products . Only a small part of the fuel placed in a reactor is burnt by fission of nuclei. The unburnt fuel and the plutonium produced are recovered and then recycled to produce electricity again. The other elements, formed during the reaction, are sorted into three types of wastes according to their radioactivity, in order to be conditioned and then stored. The use of the fantastic source of energy contained in the nucleus of atoms commands stringent compliance with a set of nuclear safety regulations to ensure the proper operation of nuclear power stations and the protection of the population.
All human activities produce wastes.
The nuclear industry is no exception. On the average, France produces, per year and per inhabitant 5,000 kg of wastes, among which 100 kg of toxic wastes including 1 kg of nuclear wastes, and 5g of high level activity wastes. We do not yet know how to destroy industrially radioactive wastes. They decay naturally with time, more or less rapidly depending on their half-life. Consequently, confinement and storage techniques are called upon.