‘New process’ for recycling copper from nuclear plants

Veolia has introduced what it claims to be an innovative solution to recover copper from electrical cables in nuclear facilities that were previously treated by high-temperature incineration.

By developing a method of safe handling to dispose of the contaminated plastic coating that protects the core from radiation, the process reduces treatment time and cost and preserves the valuable copper for recycling, the waste management leader says.

An initial trial by Veolia processed 12 tonnes of cables. They were safely handled and stripped of the contaminated plastic coating, cut and packaged into drums for safe treatment using high temperature incineration. The resultant exposed cores were tested for radioactivity and found to be safe, producing four tonnes of copper for recycling.

Larger scale

Nicola Henshaw, md, hazardous, at Veolia UK says the company’s expertise helps the nuclear industry significantly reduce its waste and save valuable materials. ‘As more end-of-life nuclear facilities are decommissioned, this process represents a new way of capturing valuable resources from this industry.’