But, meanwhile, the management of wastes while they are awaiting disposal needs to be improved by adopting currently available waste management technologies and addressing uncertainties about appropriate solutions for some problematic existing waste streams. We also need new research into waste treatment, leading to new techniques that will ensure that existing and new wastes from both civil and military nuclear activities are conditioned to forms that are passively safe and robustly stored. Unfortunately, the relevant scientific and technological research base has been seriously diminished, and needs urgently to be reinvigorated to address these pressing issues.
Whilst a public debate about radioactive waste management is important, public confidence will not be restored unless there is confidence in the institutions that manage consultation and debate and develop policy.