This resource provides specific examples of Discrete Items and Non Discrete Items.

It also includes examples of items that must be recorded as Discrete Items on the LLW Repository Ltd WCI Form for LLW Disposal, unless prior consultation with LLW Repository Ltd confirms that the waste producer’s specific item is not a Discrete Item.

The ‘decision’ in relation to the decision summaries is about whether or not an item is a Discrete Item and therefore whether the Discrete Item Limit needs to be applied. It does not go on to consider whether a particular item would breach the Discrete Item Limit.

In the decision summaries, ‘durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

LLW Repository Ltd will continue to add decision summaries to the library as they become available.

WARNING: If your item does not look like the item in the photograph or is materially different (e.g. heavier gauge or constructed from different materials), the decision does not necessarily apply to your item and you should consult with LLW Repository Ltd.

Discrete Items

Click on each image to read the decision summary.

TC14 drum with waste encapsulated inside

TC14 drum with waste encapsulated inside

Decision summary:

This is a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • The mild steel drum and encapsulant form a durable unit in combination.

All Discrete Items must be recorded on a Waste Consignment Information Form for LLW disposal.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit applies.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Hand tools

Hand tools

Decision summary:

This is a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Hand tools are specifically identified as Discrete Items in WAC (v5.0, p23).
  • Hand tools are typically made of robust materials, e.g. chromium and hardened steel. 

All Discrete Items must be recorded on a Waste Consignment Information Form for LLW disposal.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit applies.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Pile cap gearbox – plant item

Pile cap gearbox – plant item

Decision summary:

This is a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Large, recognisable and robust in Repository conditions.

All Discrete Items must be recorded on a Waste Consignment Information Form for LLW disposal.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit applies.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

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Non Discrete Items

Click on each image to read the decision summary.

HEPA filter – standard/typical paper-based model

HEPA filter – standard/typical paper-based model

Decision summary:

This is not a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Not robust; expected to degrade in Repository conditions.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit does not apply.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Scaffold tubes (mild steel, galvanised steel or aluminium)

Scaffold tubes (mild steel, galvanised steel or aluminium)

Decision summary:

This is not a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Subject to significant corrosion in Repository and common throughout LLWR vaults.

Note: only LLW Repository Ltd can make a ‘Non-Discrete Item’ determination based on common occurrence of the particular item.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit does not apply.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Supercompacted puck (containing compactable waste)

Supercompacted puck (containing compactable waste)

Decision summary:

This is not a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Compacted drums subject to corrosion, especially at folds, and expected to break apart on erosion.

Note: only LLW Repository Ltd can make a ‘Non-Discrete Item’ determination based on common occurrence of the particular waste.

The LLW Disposal WAC Discrete Item Limit does not apply.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

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Items Requiring Additional Consultation

Click on each image to read the decision summary.

Industrial vacuum cleaner (heavy duty/industrial grade)

Industrial vacuum cleaner (heavy duty/industrial grade)

Decision summary:

This is potentially a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Classed as a Discrete Item unless a credible case can be made that the item is not durable.

An item that is potentially a Discrete Item must be recorded as a Discrete Item on the WCI Form for LLW Disposal and is subject to the Discrete Item Limit; unless prior consultation with LLW Repository Ltd has confirmed that the waste producer’s specific item is not a Discrete Item.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Large section of flat plate

Large section of flat plate

Decision summary:

This is potentially a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Classed as a Discrete Item unless a credible case can be made that the item is not durable.

An item that is potentially a Discrete Item must be recorded as a Discrete Item on the WCI Form for LLW Disposal and is subject to the Discrete Item Limit; unless prior consultation with LLW Repository Ltd has confirmed that the waste producer’s specific item is not a Discrete Item.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

Glass – toughened e.g. from safety doors

Glass – toughened e.g. from safety doors

Decision summary:

This is potentially a Discrete Item.

Explanation:

  • Classed as a Discrete Item unless a credible case can be made that the item is not durable.

An item that is potentially a Discrete Item must be recorded as a Discrete Item on the WCI Form for LLW Disposal and is subject to the Discrete Item Limit; unless prior consultation with LLW Repository Ltd has confirmed that the waste producer’s specific item is not a Discrete Item.

Important Considerations

Note 1: These items should only be considered for disposal to the Repository if all diversion options are unsuitable. Always consider the Waste Hierarchy and minimise LLW disposal. This item has the potential to be: reused; disposed to permitted landfill; or, volume reduced via supercompaction.

Note 2: Items must be assessed against all relevant LLW Disposal WAC conditions.

Note 3: ‘Durable’ refers to durability in the Repository environment within the lifetime of the Repository.

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