Collecting nuclear waste in Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the most profitable side activities for players seeking total game completion. To begin this underwater salvage operation, players must first acquire the Sonar Collections Dock property using Michael, Trevor, or Franklin. Once purchased, a submersible submarine becomes available, allowing players to explore the ocean floor around San Andreas for hidden radioactive barrels.

Unlocking the Sonar Dock and Submersible

Before hunting for nuclear barrels, players need to purchase the Sonar Collections Dock located in Paleto Bay for 250,000 dollars. Purchasing this dock unlocks the Kraken or standard submarine along with the Trackify smartphone app needed to track underwater objectives. Every character can access the submarine, but the financial earnings go directly to the character who purchased the property.

Using Trackify to Locate Waste Barrels

Finding all thirty nuclear waste barrels across the coastal waters requires constant monitor tracking via the Trackify app. The app automatically displays a blip pointing toward the nearest submerged container whenever you enter the submarine. Navigating the deep ocean trenches demands patience, as the sub moves slowly and underwater visibility can decrease dramatically at severe depths.

Locations Around San Andreas Coastline

The radioactive barrels are scattered widely around the perimeter of the San Andreas map, ranging from Mount Chiliad's northern waters to the southern ocean near Los Santos. Many barrels rest on sunken shipwrecks, rocky ocean ledges, or deep underwater chasms. Following the map boundary in a systematic clockwise or counter-clockwise route ensures you collect each barrel without excessive backtracking.

Rewards and Financial Payouts

Each collected nuclear waste barrel instantly rewards the player with a 23,000 dollar payout. Successfully retrieving all thirty barrels awards an extra 250,000 dollar bonus, bringing total earnings to 940,000 dollars. In addition to cash rewards, completing this collection unlocks the Waste Management achievement or trophy, bringing players one step closer to full completion status.