  The idea of a novel labeling method is suggested for a new way of long-term
security identification, inventory tracking, prevention of falsification and
theft of waste casks, copper canisters, spent fuel containers, mercury
containers, waste packages and other items. The suggested concept is based on
the use of a unique combination of radioisotopes with different predictable
half life. As an option for applying the radioisotope tag to spent fuel
safeguarding it is suggested to use a mixture of {\alpha}-emitting isotopes,
such as 241Am etc., with materials that easily undergo {\alpha}-induced
reactions with emission of specific {\gamma}-lines. Thus, the existing problem
of the disposing of smoke detectors or other devices [1] which contain
radioisotopes can be addressed, indirectly solving an existing waste problem.
The results of the first pilot experiments with two general designs of storage
canisters, namely a steel container which corresponds to the one which is
commonly used for long-term storing of mercury in Europe and USA and a copper
canister, the one which is in applications for nuclear repositories, are
presented. As one of the options for a new labeling method it is proposed to
use a multidimensional bar code symbology and tungsten plate with ultrasound
techniques. It is shown that the new radioisotope label offers several
advantages in the scope of existing tagging techniques (overview is given) and
can be implemented even with low activity sources.
