Homework Solution

TQ 14-11

High-level radioactive waste is primarily composed of spent fuel elements from fission reactors (both power-producing and those used for military applications). It is highly radioactive (high activity), containing fission products and actinides (transuranics).

Low-level radioactive wastes are generated by other methods: hospitals, universities, industries and nuclear power plants (excluding spent fuel). Activity levels are lower than that found in high-level waste.

A more lengthy description of these types of radioactive wastes is given in an article by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.