IAEA-TECDOC Ser.

Some radioactive wastes arising at nuclear facilities have been stored for an extended period of time, often beyond the expected life of the storage vessels. IAEA Member States are moving forward with actions to retrieve such wastes for safe disposition. This document covers the development of waste retrieval systems, with a specific focus on the safe removal and transfer of wastes which are in fluid form or which can be mobilised as a wet or dry media. Detailed discussions are included on retrieval methodology, technologies and approaches. Extensive examples are provided for 21 waste retrieval projects completed or currently underway around the world, including lessons learned.