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DOE Begins Permanent Disposal of Radioactive Waste in Hanford

4/9/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Energy began permanent disposal of radioactive waste at the Hanford site in Washington.
The first 7.5-ton container of vitrified waste was placed in the Integrated Disposal Facility, supporting cleanup of 56 million gallons of underground waste.
The Integrated Disposal Facility is designed for low-activity waste and to enable vitrification of high-level waste by 2033.
Construction began in 2004 and was delayed to 2023.

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Story summary

The Department of Energy began permanent disposal of radioactive waste at the Hanford site in Washington.
The first 7.5-ton container of vitrified waste was placed in the Integrated Disposal Facility, supporting cleanup of 56 million gallons of underground waste.
The Integrated Disposal Facility is designed for low-activity waste and to enable vitrification of high-level waste by 2033.
Construction began in 2004 and was delayed to 2023.