REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF WASTE FORM CONDITIONING PROCESSES IN FRANCE

For many years conditioning processes have been studied and developed in France with the general objective of putting wastes into solid and stable waste forms having good leaching properties and long-term stabi lity. The knowledge of radioactive characteristics of waste enables on e to define what will be its final destination (near-surface or geolog ical disposal) and the nature of the required conditioning and package with respect to French regulatory requirements. After waste materials have been treated prior to conditioning, they have to be encapsulated for transport storage and disposal. The main matrices (such as bitume n, glass, cement, polymers) and processes that have been developed in France are indicated. The state of art for each matrix is briefly revi ewed taking into account long-term behavior studies. Main advantages a nd drawbacks are indicated. Recent developments are also briefly revie wed for previous matrices and also for new mineral matrices such as ce ramics and molten metal. General consideration is given to the conditi oning processes that have been studied and developed up to the industr ial level in France.