Ensuring Safety for Temporary Storage of Designated Waste
Types of designated wastes include ash left after incinerating waste contaminated by radioactive materials, sludge generated through sewage treatment, soil generated at water treatment plants to supply tap water (p.42 of Vol. 2, “Waterworks System”), agricultural and forestry waste, such as rice straw and pasture grass, etc.
As of the end of September 2023, there was a total of over 450,000 tons of designated waste in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo Metropolis. The waste is temporarily being stored at incineration facilities, water treatment plants, sewage treatment facilities, farmland, etc., where it was generated, until the national government establishes a proper disposal system.
In accordance with the Act on Special Measures Concerning the Handling of Environment Pollution by Radioactive Materials, measures to prevent scattering and runoff of the waste are being taken and the materials are stored by covering them with impermeable sheets to prevent infiltration of rainwater. Officials of the Ministry of the Environment visit various locations and check the status of temporary storage periodically to ensure safe and proper storage of designated waste.
- Included in this reference material on January 18, 2016
- Updated on March 31, 2024