How does ECD disposal work?

Electron Capture Detectors contain a Ni-63 radioactive source. When an ECD is no longer needed, it cannot be stored indefinitely or disposed of through normal waste routes. Disposal is regulated under UK radiation safety and environmental legislation.

Ellutia is licensed to assess, take ownership of, and dispose of Ni-63 Electron Capture Detectors. We handle the full process from initial assessment through to final disposal and documentation.

What to do if you have an ECD to dispose of

Request a disposal quote through the Ellutia website. Share what you know about the detector, including where it is stored and whether it is still installed. If you are not sure exactly what detector you have, that is fine. We can help confirm the type and whether disposal is required.

Requesting a quote is not a commitment. It allows us to review the situation and confirm the next steps.

How the process works

Once the details are agreed, the detector needs to get to Ellutia. You can ship the detector to us following our instructions, or we can arrange collection from your site.

After the detector is received at our facility in Ely, we take ownership of the radioactive source. From that point, we manage the disposal process in full. You receive documentation for your records and compliance reporting once disposal is complete.

What if the ECD is not installed but still on site?

An ECD containing a Ni-63 source is still a regulated item whether it is installed in an instrument or sitting in a cupboard. If you have an old detector on site that is no longer in use, it still needs to be dealt with through a licensed disposal route. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to become a compliance issue.

Still testing your ECD?

If your detector is still in active use, it does not need disposing of, but it does need periodic wipe testing. Ellutia provides wipe test kits for routine compliance testing.

Ready to request a disposal quote? Complete the form on our website or contact the team.