What is nuclear waste caused by?

Nuclear waste is primarily produced as a byproduct of nuclear power generation and the use of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, and research applications. It arises from the fission process in nuclear reactors, where uranium or plutonium atoms are split to release energy, resulting in spent fuel that remains highly radioactive. Additionally, nuclear waste can come from the production and dismantling of nuclear weapons and from the use of radioactive isotopes in various technologies. Proper management and disposal of nuclear waste are critical due to its long-lived radioactivity and potential environmental hazards.