Advising DOE on Safely Disposing of its Solid Nuclear Waste

Idaho National Laboratory, Multiple Sites

DOE sites routinely generate, process, and store solid nuclear wastes. In recent years, DOE experienced two significant events—one in 2014 at Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and another in 2018 at Idaho National Laboratory — in which waste drums released radiological materials due to energetic chemical reactions involving the waste.


Managing Risks of Flammable Gases in Waste Containers

Our Work

Some nuclear waste drums at Idaho National Laboratory contain gases that can burn, which could potentially expose workers to radiological waste released from the drum. DNFSB has reviewed the implementation of applicable safety requirements and standards to ensure these risks are being adequately managed.

Our Safety Impact

DOE has made many improvements to the safe storage of solid nuclear waste because of advice and guidance from the DNFSB including installing new controls, such as lid restraints on drums with elevated flammable gas hazards at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Picture on the left displays a flame that momentarily emanated from a waste drum. Picture on the right shows the use of new lid restraints.
Pictured: At the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project at Idaho National Laboratory, a flame that momentarily emanated from a waste drum (left), and use of new lid restraints (right).

 

 

Analyzing Chemical Reactions involving Nuclear Waste

Our Work

DOE depends on its solid radioactive waste to be benign and unreactive as it awaits permanent disposal. DNFSB has reviewed the storage, handling, and processing of this waste at sites across the DOE defense nuclear complex.

Our Safety Impact

DNFSB's technical advice has strengthened DOE’s processes to ensure the waste is safe while it awaits final disposal.

 

Radioactive waste stored in fabric dome structures less than a mile from homes at the Area G facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Pictured: Radioactive waste stored in fabric dome structures less than a mile from homes at the Area G facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

 

 

Last Updated: March 23, 2026