States embarking upon a nuclear power programme should understand the importance of establishing an adequate radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management infrastructure. To assist in overcoming any challenges this might represent, this publication provides an overview of management practices in use in mature nuclear power programmes. Primarily addressing decision makers, it provides them with the level of strategic and technical information needed to understand overarching management issues of the various waste streams and spent fuel generated in nuclear power production. In addition, it examines the political, legal, societal, economic and technical challenges associated with each of the strategic options considered.