The principal reliability of statements on the harmless disposal of high-level waste for millions of years is an issue of controversial public debate. Renown scientists confirm that a safe disposal of waste is possible with current state-of-the-art science and technology. Many social groups are opposed to this position.

The basic principle applied to the construction of a repository in deep geological formations (e. g. salt formations in Germany) is to use knowledge of natural processes and to implant the existing waste into the rock formation and to stabilise it there. Irradiated fuel assemblies contain more than 95 % of natural uranium. Thus, a repository with radioactive waste can be compared to a natural uranium deposit.