Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has completed an extensive programme of refurbishment and improvement works for the Low Level Waste Repository site in Cumbria.

NWS has made improvements to the grouting facility at the repository site, including replacing old equipment, introducing new technology and improving the building's infrastructure.

These works have been completed ahead of the Cumbria facility preparing 260 containers of nuclear waste for final emplacement in disposal vaults at the repository site, which is expected to over five months to complete.

The containers full of low level radioactive waste – which could include a wide range of materials, predominantly from the decommissioning of nuclear facilities – will be encapsulated in a cement-based grout to form a monolithic block, ensuring that radioactive waste is managed safely and in line with environmental regulations.

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Following this work, containers will be ready for final disposal and will be placed in concrete vaults at the repository where they will remain.

Commenting on the improvements made to the facility, Russell Beckwith, Operations Manager at the Low Level Waste Repository, said: "Safety is our priority. Moving forward with this work takes the waste to its final disposal destination, helping us to achieve our goals of making the waste permanently safe, sooner.

"The UK has been producing and managing radioactive waste for many decades and will continue to do so for many more.

"Our goal is to ensure that waste is disposed of both safely and securely and in a way that is sustainable and protects people and the environment.

"The improvements and refurbishments at the facility will enable us to complete this work to the highest standard and with maximum efficiency."