What is plutonium reprocessing?

Plutonium reprocessing refers to a method for recycling plutonium that has already been used in nuclear reactors. This process involves extracting plutonium from spent nuclear fuel, which contains a mix of uranium, plutonium, and other radioactive isotopes. By reprocessing, the plutonium can be separated and purified so it can be reused in nuclear reactors as fuel, reducing the amount of radioactive waste that requires long-term storage and disposal.

This recycling aspect is crucial as it aims to maximize the utilization of nuclear materials and minimize the environmental impact associated with nuclear waste. In contrast to other options, such as burning plutonium in reactors or permanently disposing of it, the primary focus of reprocessing is to reclaim and recycle plutonium for further use, emphasizing sustainability in nuclear energy practices.