Expert waste services
Urenco has a dedicated Nuclear Stewardship team committed to providing expert waste services to our customers.
Using skills developed through decades of experience working directly on UK and international nuclear sites, we support customer needs throughout the entire waste lifecycle, from an operational plant to a decommissioning activity or project.
Urenco's purpose-built Tails Management Facility provides optimal space for waste operations on the Capenhurst nuclear licenced site. The 3,100m2 facility is operated by waste technicians and supported by an experienced team of waste engineers and waste coordinators.
Our expertise and services
Waste strategy and planning
Onsite training and support
Compliance management
Complex transport and consignment arrangements
Characterisation
Dedicated engineering support
CASE STUDY
Urenco Melting Facility (UMF)
Designed to meet the needs of the UK nuclear and metals sectors, UMF will offer:
Metallic waste treatment and decontamination services
Declassification and recycling of contaminated metals
Aluminium and steel melting capabilities
Cylinder treatment to support full lifecycle waste management.
Advancing metallic waste treatment in the UK
The treatment of contaminated metallic waste in the UK is currently limited, with only basic cleaning operations available domestically and more advanced recycling methods, such as melting, carried out overseas. The Urenco Melting Facility (UMF) is being developed to address this gap.
Currently in the design phase, the UMF will provide a long-term, UK-based solution for the treatment, declassification and recycling of contaminated metals, supporting a more efficient and sustainable approach to metallic waste management.
By introducing the only nuclear-licensed melting capability in the UK, the facility will reduce reliance on overseas treatment routes, helping to deliver cost efficiencies, improved project schedules and lower carbon impacts.
Supporting UK nuclear decommissioning and waste management
The Urenco Melting Facility will support waste management activities across Urenco and provide a new domestic route for organisations seeking reliable metallic waste treatment services.
This capability is expected to play an important role in supporting the decommissioning of redundant nuclear facilities, enabling high-hazard reduction programmes to be prioritised and delivered more effectively.
Partner with us
If you are exploring long-term solutions for metallic waste treatment, decommissioning or recycling of contaminated metals, please email UNSbusinessdev@urenco.comto explore how the Urenco Melting Facility could support your programmes.
Key sustainability benefits
The Urenco Melting Facility will progress Urenco’s sustainability ambitions by increasing recycling rates and reducing long-term waste volumes. By enabling more materials to be safely reused, the facility will support net zero, industrial decarbonisation and government strategies in line with the three pillars of sustainability.
Environment
Eliminating waste and reducing the consumption of natural resources by design; through the reuse, repair, repurposing and recycling of assets.
Contributing to Urenco's decarbonisation, and supporting UK commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero in England and Wales by 2050 and Scotland by 2045.
Resource efficiency through recycling as opposed to mining, refining and manufacture of new metal.
Reducing emissions from industrial processes by keeping product and materials in circulation for longer.
Society
Decommissioning and remediating our nuclear sites in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way.
Maintaining a suitable decommissioning and waste management capability which is both enduring and adaptable to change.
Maximising the social value for the taxpayer thereby encouraging diverse and resilient economies and thriving inclusive communities.
Improving stakeholder confidence and trust.
Economy
UMF will enable the full radioactive metal waste lifecycle to be managed within the UK, reducing reliance on overseas treatment and disposal routes.
The facility will help strengthen UK supply chain capacity, supporting the development of specialist skills and capability across the sector.
UMF will create well-paid, skilled and sustainable jobs in the UK, supporting long-term employment opportunities and economic growth in local communities.