The disposal of our nuclear waste is very
challenging, with very large volumes destined for
burial deep underground. The largest volume of
radioactive waste, termed "intermediate level" and
comprising of 364,000 m3 (enough to fill four Albert
Halls), will be encased in concrete prior to disposal
into underground vaults. When ground waters
eventually reach these waste materials, they will
react with the cement and become highly alkaline.
This change drives a series of chemical reactions,
triggering the breakdown of the various "cellulose"
based materials that are present in these complex
wastes.