Dismantlement

The Weapons Dismantlement and Disposition Program receives, dismantles and dispositions retired weapon components and subassemblies from the stockpile. As the nation reduces the size of its arsenal, Y-12 is playing a central role in decommissioning weapons systems and providing materials for peaceful uses.

In Fiscal Year 2011, Y-12 dismantlement operations used about $2 million in efficiencies to disassemble more units than originally planned, continuing a trend begun in 2006. Materials from retired and dismantled components are recycled for use in Life Extension Programs, as fuel for the nuclear Navy, or are converted to other non-weapons uses such as fuel for nuclear power plants, scientific research reactors, and even for the production of medical isotopes that fight cancer.