The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is developing additional plans and new methods for managing radioactive wastes generated by past, present and future operations. The objectives of these programs are to; (1) ensure the health and safety of the public, (2) protect our environment and ecology, and (3) use methods acceptable to the public. A brief overview is presented of the plans and current studies for disposing of high‐level radioactive waste generated in commercial nuclear facilities. The methodology being developed and used to assess the merits of alternate concepts is presented. The technical areas where the physics community might contribute to improving this program are outlined.