The problem of radioactive wastes concerns all developed countries in which nuclear energy has become common in practically all spheres of life and economy. Radioactive wastes require special treatment connected with their processing, transport and temporary and permanent storage in surface and underground stockpiles in chosen rock outcroppings. The paper presents types of radioactive wastes formed in Poland, criteria of their division and classification, methods of neutralization and utilization. Systems of barriers for radioactive wastes stockpiles protecting the environment are presented, especially conditions resulting from geological structure and soil properties, which form a natural protective barrier.

The problem of radioactive wastes concerns all developed countries in which nuclear energy has become common in practically all spheres of life and economy. Radioactive wastes require special treatment connected with their processing, transport and temporary and permanent storage in surface and underground stockpiles in chosen rock outcroppings. The paper presents types of radioactive wastes formed in Poland, criteria of their division and classification, methods of neutralization and utilization. Systems of barriers for radioactive wastes stockpiles protecting the environment are presented, especially conditions resulting from geological structure and soil properties, which form a natural protective barrier.