The waste packages that are produced have been adapted to the require­ments for storage and transport as well as for disposal. Different types of packages are used. The most common are standard 220-litre steel drums or standard 10- or 20-foot shipping containers. Other types of containers are steel packages of other sizes and packages with a concrete wall that pro­vides some shielding. The packages are normally clean on the outside so that the further handling can be made without the need to consider con­tamination. The packages, however, still emit radiation that needs to be considered during the handling. In many cases the radiation level is such that the packages can be handled, stored and transported without extra shielding, i. e. the packages fulfil the transport regulations. For waste with a higher activity concentration, the dose rates from the waste packages are higher and they will need extra shielding during handling, storage and transport.

LLW and ILW can be stored in fairly simple warehouse-type buildings. Normally the walls are made of concrete of appropriate thickness to provide shielding for the outside.

Transports of LLW and ILW need to fulfil the transport requirements. LLW packages that by themselves fulfil the requirements can be trans­ported in simple standard shipping containers, while packages with a higher dose rate will need to be transported in sturdy thick-walled containers. In many cases it should be enough to fulfil the requirements for so-called type A containers, while in some cases with a higher activity concentration type B containers will be needed (IAEA, 2009c).

LLW and ILW can be transported in a similar way to spent fuel and high — level waste on trucks, trains or ships, depending on the locations of the nuclear power plant and the repository.