A team of scientists from the University of Bristol proposes a revolutionary response.
They have found a way to turn this waste into clean batteries which also last for thousands of years.
The Magnox reactors of these plants use graphite to keep under control the nuclear fission.
The process converts the material into a radioactive isotope, carbon-14.
Britain has more than 100,000 tons of radioactive carbon does not know how to recycle.
The solution Bristol group has been taking advantage of a very particular quality of industrial diamonds.
When these stones receive radiation generate a small electric current.
Researchers have split the carbon-14 graphite rods and used it to make a radioactive diamond.
Striking the crystal lattice of molecules that form the diamond, beta particles 14 Carbon generate electrons.
The result is a stone that emits electricity without moving parts and does not pollute.
Researchers estimate that after 5730 years the would be still at 50% load.
The University of Bristol has requested more ideas for these batteries in social networks using the #diamondbatteries label.
