[en] Recycling has become an integral part of everyday life as we become sensitized to the finite nature of our natural resources. A conscious effort is being made to move away from the 'throw away' society of the past and progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of these valuable resources. Recycling can be justified in different ways but the environmental impact takes priority. In the nuclear industry, different types of material are produced which have to be disposed of one way or another. Why does the recycling of nuclear fuel provoke a reaction, which is so illogical in face of the facts, and so different to the reaction towards other forms of recycling ? The utilities, governments and the general public all have their own reasons and the challenge for the nuclear industry over the next ten years will be to prove that their apprehensions are misguided and that recycling is the most environmentally sound option. It may prove to be the most important contributing factor to the future success of the nuclear industry as a whole. (author)