Radioactive waste
All radioactive waste generated in Canada is safely managed. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates all steps in the management of radioactive waste in order to protect the health, safety and security of persons and to protect the environment.
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Overview
Under section 2 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), radioactive waste in Canada is defined as any material (liquid, gaseous or solid) that contains a radioactive nuclear substance for which no further use is foreseen.
Oversight and management of Canada’s radioactive waste
Details about CNSC’s regulatory oversight of the management of radioactive waste, including, as applicable, handling, processing, transport, storage and disposal of that waste.
Radioactive waste classes
Learn more about low-, intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste and how it is stored and disposed of.
Uranium mines and mills waste
The main types of waste generated by the mining and milling of uranium ore are tailings and waste rock.
Licensing review process
The licensing process begins once an application is received from an applicant.
Transportation of radioactive waste
The CNSC and Transport Canada share responsibility for the safe transport of nuclear substances, including radioactive waste.
Historic nuclear waste
Historic low-level waste consists of soil contaminated with uranium and radium, at sites located in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
Deep geological repositories
A deep geological repository is constructed underground, usually at a depth of several hundred metres or more below the surface in a stable rock formation.
Map: Radioactive waste management
This map provides you with the location and type of nuclear facility.
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