Scrap-Metal Plan Proves Radioactive

By John R. Emshwiller

The Department of Energy is proposing to allow the sale of tons of scrap metal from government nuclear sites—an attempt to reduce waste that critics say could lead to radiation-tainted belt buckles, surgical implants and other consumer products.

The department, in a document released last month, said the recycling proposal is in line with its policy of “reusing materials whenever possible.”