The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Barcodes are a background feature of modern life, quietly appearing everywhere from supermarket goods and airport luggage tags to theatre tickets and, now, nuclear waste. 

The recent introduction of barcode technology has enabled Magnox to pioneer an innovative tracking system at all sites that, for the first time, provides immediate access to comprehensive up-to-date information on waste streams. 

The 'cradle to grave' system, means all waste can be tracked as it progresses through treatment and disposal routes, while also providing confidence to the regulator that waste packaging labels accurately describe the contents. The system also supports sites' emergency scheme arrangements allowing instant analysis of records in the event of a site incident. 

The barcode technology involves scanning waste packages for an instant electronic report detailing contents, which saves significant amounts of time and effort. Hinkley has been leading on introduction of the system, and is sharing the experience with both EdF and the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR), who are investigating its potential for use at their own sites. 

Paul Mountford-Lister (Magnox Environment Agency Lead) said:

"A waste tracking/accountancy system is an essential element of a management system designed to ensure that the application of the waste management hierarchy can be simply, consistently and effectively demonstrated.  

"We are pleased to see the implementation of the system on Magnox sites and encourage its further development to deliver a consistent approach to the categorisation, control and reporting of radioactive, hazardous and controlled wastes. Implementation of the system across ten sites will enable Magnox to efficiently report how it is optimising its waste processing systems across the fleet to maximise their financial and environmental impact." 

John Collinson, Magnox Waste Director, added:

"The development of the system is ongoing and work is in progress to fully integrate records for GNS yellow boxes and their contents. This will provide detailed information to the Radioactive Waste Management Directorate and aids their plans for a geological deep disposal facility."