The Scottish Government has decided that higher activity radioactive wastes should in future be managed in near-surface facilities as near the site where they are produced as possible, rather than in deep geological disposal facilities.
A statement by Cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment Richard Lochhead set out a new policy statement which said developers would need to demonstrate how facilities would be monitored and waste retrieved.
He said it applies to waste which may not be produced for decades.
"The policy is not prescriptive in its approach, recognising that it applies to waste which may not be produced for decades and for which long-term management options may not be feasible at present or have yet to be developed," he said.
"The Scottish Government has worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders to shape the final policy. We will continue to engage with stakeholders in developing the strategy to implement the policy."
But Dounreay Site Restoration said it would affect how the more hazardous types of waste from its decommissioning process would be managed.
