How do you make decisions on an issue for which decision-making takes several decades and involves a wide range of social and technological uncertainties? What knowledge is needed, and who can have their say? These are key questions when it comes to the safe management of radioactive waste. In the Netherlands, this waste is temporarily stored above ground, with the aim of finding a definitive solution around 2100. Such a definitive solution is necessary because some of the waste remains hazardous for hundreds of thousands of years. We advise the government to take action now and think ahead, instead of reasoning backwards from the year 2100. This can be done by dividing the decision-making process into phases, which can last from several years to several decades. In the first phase, a disposal programme needs to be drawn up. For each phase, the government must determine in consultation with society what knowledge, policy, public participation and funding are needed so that each phase can end with a decision that brings us closer to a solution. This advisory report shows how we can take steps together now.