Apparatus and method for disposal of nuclear and other hazardous wastes

A hazardous waste containment vessel, and a method for its use, for safe, permanent disposal of hazardous waste in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel is dropped into deep ocean water, descends through the water and penetrates the deep ocean pelagic sediment, thus burying the hazardous waste containment vessel in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel has an elongated laminar walled container having first and second ends. The first end tapers to an apex having an angle selected to enhance penetration of the deep ocean pelagic sediment by the hazardous waste containment vessel. A dense filler material is carried within the elongated laminar walled container and isolates at least one hazardous waste containing drum member that is suspended within the dense filler material, from the interior layer of the elongated container member and from additional drum members suspended within the dense filler material. At least one fin member is carried by the second end of the laminar walled container for imparting hydrodynamic stability to the hazardous waste containment vessel during vertical descent through deep ocean water. To ensure adequate penetration, the containment vessel is provided with a self-arming and disarming explosive charge.