Safe disposal of obsolete ECDs – What UK labs need to know

ECDs fall under strict UK radiation safety and environmental laws, including the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. This means they cannot be disposed of like regular lab waste, and if they’ve been out of use for a while, they may no longer meet current UK compliance standards. Even if an ECD is faulty or no longer in use, simply keeping it in your lab still counts as holding radioactive material, which means it must be properly accounted for and managed in accordance with regulations. It is also illegal to store an ECD outside of its instrument without a license, meaning it cannot be kept as a spare or left uninstalled.

At Ellutia, we know that Electron Capture Detectors (ECDs) have been a trusted tool in analytical labs for decades. They offer exceptional sensitivity for detecting various environmental and chemical compounds, but because they contain radioactive Nickel-63 (Ni-63), disposing of them isn’t as simple as retiring old equipment.

Many labs hold on to outdated or unused ECDs without realising they could be non-compliant, unsafe, or even illegal to store. If you have an old ECD sitting around, now is the time to take action.

Failing to dispose of an ECD properly can lead to fines, safety risks, and regulatory trouble – and that’s something no lab wants to deal with.

Knowing when to dispose of an ECD is just as important as knowing how. If your detector has failed a leak test, there is a risk of radioactive contamination, meaning it must be decommissioned immediately. Older ECDs can also become unreliable over time, leading to degraded performance and inaccurate results. Even if your detector is still functioning, it may no longer meet current UK regulations, so it’s important to check the latest compliance standards. And if your lab no longer needs the ECD, simply storing it indefinitely isn’t an option—radioactive equipment must always be properly accounted for and managed under UK law.

If any of these apply, it’s time to act.

How to get rid of an Old ECD the right way

We get it - dealing with radioactive waste disposal sounds like a hassle. That’s why we’ve made the process as simple as possible.

1. Get in touch

Call or email us with details about your ECD. We’ll let you know whether it’s eligible for disposal and what the next steps are.

2. Get a disposal quote

We’ll provide you with a clear, no-surprise quote for safe and legal disposal.

3. Arrange collection & documentation

We handle the logistics, collecting and disposing of the ECD safely. You’ll receive all necessary paperwork to prove that it’s been properly decommissioned.

That’s it - no stress, no compliance worries, just a straightforward process.

Why choose Ellutia for ECD disposal?

• We’re one of the few UK-certified ECD disposal providers – That means we’re licensed to legally handle and dispose of your detector.
• We make it easy – We take care of the paperwork and collection, so you don’t have to navigate the complex regulations yourself.
• We help you stay compliant – No risk of legal trouble or environmental concerns.
• We keep it safe – Our process follows all UK radiation safety laws.

Still using an ECD? Keep up with leak testing

If your ECD is still in use, regular wipe testing is a must. Over time, contaminants can build up, leading to potential safety issues.

Ellutia offers simple wipe test kits so you can check your detector in-house. Just send us your sample, and we’ll provide a detailed contamination report to make sure your ECD is still safe to use. Contact us today to order your wipe test kit: https://www.ellutia.com/ecd-wipe-test

Don’t wait until it’s a problem – act now

If you’ve got an old or non-compliant ECD sitting in your lab, now is the time to get rid of it safely. Proper disposal isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a way to protect your lab, your team, and the environment.

Contact us today to arrange safe and compliant ECD disposal.

Join us for a webinar on 10th April 2025 at 2 PM (GMT) to explore UK regulations for Electron Capture Detectors (ECDs) and their impact on your lab. Andrew James, Managing Director of Ellutia, will provide an in-depth discussion on compliance, best practices, and what you need to know.

Register here.