The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published a proposed rule to amend the regulations in 10 CFR Part 61 covering land disposal of low-level radioactive waste. The amendment would extend regulatory coverage to certain transuranic wastes and would let disposal sites set waste acceptance criteria using site-specific characteristics instead of prescriptive limits.
A graded approach is proposed: facilities that do not expect to receive large amounts of long-lived radionuclides or Greater-Than-Class C material would face only a simplified set of requirements, while facilities managing such streams would carry out technical assessments to demonstrate long-term safety. The NRC notes that many Greater-Than-Class C waste streams are currently stranded at operating reactors, sealed-source facilities and Department of Energy sites. New options for disposing of higher concentrations of waste would also be introduced.
The agency is also issuing draft implementing guidance for public comment. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on August 17, 2026. The NRC says the proposal would leave the definition of high-level radioactive waste unchanged, and would not touch legal requirements for geological disposal of high-level waste or spent fuel set out in laws such as the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
The rule could reshape how the United States manages low-level and Greater-Than-Class C waste, opening land disposal to streams now left stranded.
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