The US is Getting Creative with Nuclear Waste: Turning It into Glass and Keeping It Safe for Centuries
In the heart of Washington state, a new chapter in managing radioactive materials is unfolding.
### From plutonium reactors to a decontamination laboratory
The Hanford Site, once a key player in the Manhattan Project and the arms race of the 20th century, now houses the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), a facility that could revolutionize nuclear decontamination history.
### How poison turns into glass
Through vitrification, radioactive waste at Hanford is heated to extreme temperatures and mixed with compounds to form a stable glass, encapsulating radionuclides and preventing any leakage or dispersion.
### A solution forged by science and social pressure
The progress at Hanford is a result of collaboration between federal agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations, driven by social pressure to address the nuclear legacy. This effort not only benefits the US but also serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges. Hanford’s approach is a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management in an era where nuclear energy is being reconsidered as a cleaner option.
