Abstract: In order to prevent the formation of a hydrogen atmosphere in a free gas ce usually available in the storage containers of radioactive waste, potassium permanganate is dispersed in a suitable carrier within the storage barrel provided for the waste. When the radioactive waste is first encased in cement before being put in a storage barrel, the potassium permanganate is introduced into the cement before it sets by mixing in a solution or crystals. Alternatively the compressed or solidified waste is enveloped in a porous non-reducing aggregate of carrier materials, such as particles of aluminum oxide, on the exposed surfaces of which potassium permanganate is applied or which is mixed with potassium per manganate particles. The waste and the enveloping permanganate-containing carrier material are then securely enclosed in a common container.