Outlines various possibilities for the development of a classification system for radioactive wastes. This guide proposes a modified classification system with general quantitative boundaries and gives guidance for the development of quantitative classification systems.

Radioactive waste (RW) is a byproduct of nuclear weapons production, commercial nuclear power generation, and the naval reactor program. RW byproducts also result from radioisotopes used for scientific, med., and industrial purposes. Contents of this report: Measurement of Radioactivity and Hazards of Radiation; Comparative Range of Radioactivity; Spent Nuclear Fuel; High-Level RW; Waste Incidental to Reprocessing; Transuranic Waste; Surplus Weapons-Usable Plutonium; Low-Level RW: Provisions for State Disposal Compacts; Low-Level RW Classification Tables; Mixed Low-Level RW and Haz. Waste; Depleted Uranium; Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring RW Material; Uranium Mill Tailings; RW Disposal Policy Issues. Illus.