The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a U.S. facility designed to safely dispose of radioactive waste generated from nuclear weapons production. Located underground in New Mexico, it uses deep salt formations to contain the waste, as salt naturally dissolves impurities and seals openings over time, providing a stable barrier. WIPP is carefully monitored and managed to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, ensuring that these hazardous materials remain securely isolated for thousands of years. It is the nation’s only deep geological repository for this type of waste.