What do new nuclear reactors mean for waste?

New nuclear reactor designs may impact waste management strategies, as current methods involve storing spent fuel in water pools or burying it underground. The emergence of new reactor designs could require adjustments to handle their waste, but experts believe the overall approach to managing nuclear waste will remain largely the same. Some advanced designs may produce more high-level waste due to novel materials used as coolants and fuels, potentially increasing the volume of material that needs to be handled. Companies are exploring various solutions to effectively manage the waste produced by these new reactor designs, including potential challenges with heat generation and chemical processing.