What factors influence nuclear waste storage or disposal?

Level/type of radioactivity
Where the waste was derived from
How it was used
The form nuclear waste takes
The geology of the proposed disposal site
The acceptance of relevant communities involved in disposal

Nuclear waste is generally classified based on its level of radioactivity. Nuclear waste takes many different forms around the world and is created from a variety of processes like the mining and enrichment of nuclear materials for energy or the creation of nuclear isotopes for research and medical treatments. Additionally, nuclear waste can be solid, liquid, or gas.

All of the above factors determine how nuclear waste will need to be disposed of to minimize harm to people and the environment. Solving the complex puzzle of nuclear waste to accommodate all waste forms and the communities that will host them is extremely difficult and requires cooperation on all levels.