A nuclear meltdown is often associated¹ with a nuclear wasteland as a result:

Nuclear Power plants are absolutely terrible for the environment. They have the potential to destroy life for Centuries and make areas inhabitable. All it takes is one slip up. Is it worth it? I don't think so.

But you might be surprised how well wildlife in Chernobyl is doing. And although the plants and animals aren't as healthy as their neighboring counterparts outside the disaster zone, wildlife is thriving none the less, making the site anything but a wasteland.