Overview
waste Management
Quick Reference
The management of waste materials, usually based on the management of wastes at all stages (production, handling, storage transport, processing, and ultimate disposal) in such a way as to minimize the risks to human health, wildlife, and environmental systems. Traditional approaches to the management of non‐toxic solid waste rely heavily on sanitary landfill. Disposing of toxic wastes in this cavalier manner is unsuitable, largely because of the risk of contaminating groundwater. The nuclear industry produces sizeable amounts of waste, much of which is safe and can be disposed of in traditional ways. But some nuclear waste is highly radioactive, poses serious health risks to people and wildlife, and remains dangerously radioactive for long periods of time (hundreds of thousands of years or longer for many isotopes).
