Can you reuse Uranium

Answer 1

Uranium can be reused as nuclear fuel or for other applications.

For the most part, Uranium is most useful in it's U-235 form, and also for being converted into P-239 (Plutonium). As natural Uranium is over 99% U-238, various processing methods are used to increase the percentage of U-235 to a level where it is usable in reactors. Very small amounts of U-238 or U-233 are also useful in things like RTGs (Radio-Thermal Generators).

Essentially, "used" Uranium can always be reprocessed, extracting the contaminant elements, and then enriching it back up with U-235. Or, it can use bombarded with a neutron source to produce Plutonium.

One of the US's big problems with its nuclear reactor waste fuel is that the US currently refuses to consider recycling this fuel. Recycling "spent" reactor fuel can result in a 90% total reduction in final waste - that is, we can likely recycle a given fuel rod for reuse over 10 times. The fact that this is NOT being done is a huge idiocy within our use of nuclear power - most other countries recycle their fuel, so it's a well-known and understood process.

Answer 2

Yes, uranium can be reprocessed and recycled for use in nuclear reactors. Reprocessing involves extracting plutonium and uranium from spent fuel rods, which can then be used to create new fuel. Recycling uranium helps to make the most of this valuable resource and reduce waste.