Control and Management of Radioactive Material Inadvertently Incorporated into Scrap Metal

Metal recycling has become an important industrial activity in all countries. It is seen as being socially and environmentally beneficial because it conserves natural ore resources and saves energy. However, radioactive material may become associated with scrap metal inadvertently and, if it is melted, can cause health and economic problems as well as public acceptance issues for scrap metal. This publication is the proceedings of a conference organized by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council in cooperation with the IAEA with the aim of sharing experiences and contributing towards the resolution of problems caused by the inadvertent presence of radioactive material in scrap metal. Conclusions and recommendations were developed concerning the current situation and the future in dealing with the problems identified.