Nuclear Applications at Technical Labs of Guatemala and the Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Safe Management and Disposal of Radioactive Sources

The Technical Labs of Guatemala, through its SSDL-GUA programme, addresses the safe management and final disposal of radioactive sources used in nuclear applications. While nuclear technologies have a low carbon footprint and provide important benefits in areas such as research, medicine, and industry, radioactive sources require secure management once they reach the end of their useful life.

The initiative focuses on reducing Guatemala’s inventory of disused radioactive sources through international technical cooperation for recycling or secure final disposal. Depending on the material and its condition, radioactive sources can either be transferred for further use or recycling in appropriate applications, or transported to specialized and secure facilities for controlled disposal and decay.

International Cooperation for Radioactive Waste Management

SSDL-GUA and the Technical Labs have already participated in two international projects involving the export of radioactive waste. One project supported research into new radiopharmaceutical products, while the other focused on secure final disposal. These activities demonstrate the practical feasibility of international cooperation for managing radioactive materials that are no longer required nationally.

The approach creates a framework for connecting countries and institutions that hold disused radioactive sources with qualified organizations capable of recycling or safely disposing of them. Such cooperation is particularly important for developing countries that may not have suitable domestic infrastructure for the long-term management of radioactive waste.

Scaling Safe and Sustainable Nuclear Applications

The initiative has been demonstrated and validated through practical international cooperation and aims to further reduce Guatemala’s national inventory of radioactive sources while supporting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. By ensuring that disused sources are appropriately recycled or securely disposed of, the project contributes to environmental protection, public safety, and responsible resource management.

The next step is to expand participation across countries, particularly developing nations with similar radioactive waste management challenges. The project is seeking partners with the technical capacity and infrastructure to recycle or securely dispose of radioactive sources, as well as international cooperation mechanisms that can connect source holders with appropriate facilities and expertise.