Sharp discrepancies between nuclear and conventional toxic waste: Technical analysis and public perception.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Waste Management
• Societal Perception Studies

Background:

• Nuclear waste (NW) governance has evolved towards participatory approaches due to past challenges.
• Conventional hazardous waste (CHW) from households lacks similar public attention and established governance models.
• Understanding the technical, legal, and public perception aspects of CHW is crucial for effective policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the technical and legal aspects of CHW with those of NW.
• To assess public perception of CHW and its management in Switzerland.
• To draw conclusions for future CHW policy and governance.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining technical and system assessment.
• A societal perception assessment using a representative survey (N=3082) of the German-speaking Swiss population.
• Comparative analysis between NW and CHW domains.

Main Results:

• A significant disparity exists between the technical evaluation of CHW and public perception.
• The complexity, multiplicity of agents, and heterogeneity of CHW substances contribute to lower public salience compared to NW.
• Despite technical concerns, CHW is perceived as less alarming than NW due to its everyday presence and traditional disposal methods.

Conclusions:

• The current NW management, with its participatory focus, may not be directly transferable to CHW due to inherent differences in complexity and public perception.
• CHW governance requires tailored strategies that address its unique challenges in multiplicity, heterogeneity, and public awareness.
• Future policies should bridge the gap between technical realities and public perception for more effective CHW management.