Today, after decades of research, development and industrial applications, it can be stated confidently that safe technological solutions for radioactive waste management exist. However, waste disposal as a part of the whole waste management system is no longer a matter for scientists and technocrats alone, but requires co-operation between them and politicians, licensing authorities, industry and, ultimately, the general public. Dialogue and co-operation among various parts of society may also give indications about the acceptability of solutions. It must also be emphasized that there are many other areas outside the field of nuclear energy where materials and also of stable inorganic materials, such as heavy metals, which are not subject to any form of decay and, consequently, remain potentially hazardous forever.
Radioactive waste is an abstract concept to most people.
Obviously, there are many misperceptions about radioactive waste and these breed fear. What makes radioactive waste seem especially dangerous is the imagery that radiaction brings to mind. Radioactive wastes are not eternal. The lifetime of radioactive substances varies from few seconds to several millions years, as opposed to non-radioactive substances which are eternal. The activity of radioactive wastes decreases with time.