The Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal facility (RWTDF) was designed (in 1971) and commissioned (in 1960) in conformity with international recommendations of the 60-ties and the then valid Hungarian and CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Aid/Assistance) standards. The function of the facility was the reception and disposal of radioactive wastes of institutional origin. RWTDF is responsible for providing its services in a wide range over the entire area of the country. The disposal facility has been operating safely and reliably for 33 years. It had been operated by the Pest County Institute of the National Public Health and Medical Officer Services until 1998, and has been operated by PURAM at present.

An annual volume of some 10 to 20 m³ low and intermediate level waste and 2000 to 3000 used radiation sources are generated by smaller radioactive waste producers being out of the fuel cycle, such as hospitals, laboratories and industrial companies.

Most of the radioactive wastes, including the used radiation sources, are generated by medical, industrial and research applications. Two of the most frequently used isotopes, which are kept in stock in a significant volume and are used in the medical and industrial radiography, are ⁶⁰Co and ¹⁹²Ir.

The efforts, made in relation to RWTDF, were focussed to ensuring that the several decade old facility could fully comply with the present day’s requirements. To this end, the reconstruction of the installations of RWTDF commenced. For RWTDF, the aim, in the possession of the renewed operation licence, is to operate the facility on long-term after freeing storage capacity for the receipt of low- and intermediate-level wastes exclusively of non- nuclear power plant origin.