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Tritium is widely used by organisations in the defence and industrial sectors for applications as diverse as weaponry sights, exit signs and life science research. It is most often contained in Betalights or ‘GTLDs’ which provide a light source for a range of applications. Other clients use specialist ‘Getterbeds’ for Tritium storage. Even when stored properly, Tritium will diffuse naturally from GTLDs. Long-term storage should be avoided in order to minimise the potential for local contamination. Unlike some radioactive material, Tritium often has a residual value once it has become surplus: it can be recovered and recycled into new products. However, there is no recycling route for Tritium in the UK and this has caused organisations to stockpile their Tritium, creating both regulatory, safety and financial risks. Recycling radioactive material is a potentially difficult and costly process and so, for most companies, finding the right partner to help them find an appropriate and cost-effective recycling or disposal route is vital. Safeguard International has access to well-established Tritium recycling facilities where recovery rates are consistently as high as 80%. Recovered Tritium is used for new Betalight manufacture and sold on as stock for medical and research tracers. We can normally take GTLDs whether they are still in their units or have been removed. Safeguard International has carried out Duty of Care audits on our recycling partner’s processes and the Environment Agency and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are fully aware of these routes. |