Can someone explain to me radioactive waste? If something is still emitting radiation and particles, can't it still be used as a weaker energy producer? Why are we trying to hide it instead?
The power output of high level radioactive waste is of the order some watt per kg, comparable to animal metabolism. This is so little that the energy that could be extracted would be worth far less than the running costs for maintenance and security. However, there is the possibility of using breeder reactors to recycle fuel.