• Most common initial treatment of waste is vitrification.

–Waste is first mixed with sugar and then passed through a heated tube to de-nitrite the material.

–This material is then fed into a furnace and mixed with glass.

–The molten glass mixture is poured into steel cylinders and welded shut.

• Mid level active waste is commonly treated with ion exchange
• Process reduces the bulk volume of radioactive material.
• Typically, mixed with concrete for a solid storage form.
• Synroc is a new method for storing nuclear waste developed in 1978 by Ted Ringwood.
• Attempts to hold radioactive material in a crystalline matrix.
• Currently in use for military waste management at Savannah River Site.
• Can hold 50%-70% volume of waste.