The catalyst for the conference that gave rise to these proceedings was the decision of the former UK Government to block further investigation by the nuclear waste agency, UD Nirex Ltd, for a national radioactive waste repository near the Sellafield site. The decision made it essential to reconsider the question: 'Where next for radioactive waste management?' The papers in this volume pinpoint the key issues that need to be addressed. The arguments advanced in this timely volume have been drawn upon to propose recommendations for policy changes, which are summarized by the editor in the final chapter.