Radioactive wastes are generated in a number of different kinds of facilities and arise in a wide range of concentrations of radioactive materials and in a variety of physical and chemical forms. There is also a variety of alternatives for treatment and conditioning of the wastes prior to disposal. Likewise, there are a number of alternatives for safe disposal of these wastes, ranging from geological disposal to near surface disposal and direct discharge to the environment. To simplify their management, a number of schemes have evolved for classifying radioactive waste according to the physical, chemical and radiological properties of significance to those facilities managing this waste. These schemes have led to a variety of terminologies, differing from country to country and even between facilities in the same country. This situation makes it difficult for those concerned to communicate with one another regarding waste management practices, causes problems in comparing data published in the scientific literature, and causes confusion among members of the public trying to understand waste management programmes and practices of their country and of other Member States. 

This document revises and updates earlier IAEA references on radioactive waste classification systems given in IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 101 [1] and Safety Series No. 54 [2]. Guidance regarding exemption of materials from regulatory control is consistent with IAEA Safety Series No. 89 [3] and the RADWASS documents published under IAEA Safety Series Nos lll-G-1.5 [4], 111-P-l.l [5] and lll-P-1.2 .