Solidified liquid low-level waste that cannot be disposed in existing facilities is stored in steel drums inside concrete vaults. Hazardous waste is generally accumulated for a short time on site and subsequently sent to permitted commercial facilities for treatment and disposal. A very small portion is packaged in drums and either placed in permitted storage in buildings or on concrete pads awaiting the development of appropriate treatment facilities. Land disposal restrictions ensure that hazardous waste is stored and disposed of according to specific regulatory provisions. Hazardous waste accumulation and storage will diminish steadily as advanced minimization and treatment programs are established and implemented.
Hazardous waste is packaged in drums and stored awaiting treatment and disposal.
Some hazardous waste is solidified, packaged in drums, and disposed in permitted commercial landfills. A large portion of DOE's waste inventory consists of waste that contains both radioactive and chemically hazardous components. In compliance with the Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1992, DOE has worked with state and Federal regulators to develop plans for treating this mixed waste. Summary Providing safe and technically sound storage of DOE's waste is an integral part of the Waste Management program. However, waste storage is an interim measure.