The International Atomic Energy Agency was established in 1957 to serve as the agency of the United Nations responsible for international activities concerned with the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The agency was established to promote the development of peaceful uses of atomic energy and dissemination of information from those member states having well-developed programs to those just embarking upon such programs. The prevention of pollution of the seas from the discharge of radioactive waste was recognized early as a problem concerning international co-operation. From its inception the agency has devoted considerable effort toward this problem. The recent worldwide interest in preservation of environmental quality has led the agency to broaden its waste management program to include consideration of all environmental impacts associated with nuclear power, regardless of whether they are unique to nuclear power. Also, an increasing amount of attention is being given currently to the problems associated with the management of high-level and alpha-bearing radioactive wastes; the combination of the high potential hazard and the long containment time required make this problem of international concern. The international concern for these two problem areas has led to an increased scope of activities in the agency’s waste management program.