Method of disposal of pyrotechnic compositions

A process for the disposal of a solid pyrotechnic composition substantially comprising a solid polymeric binder containing discrete particles of inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel dispersed therein;

• and allowing for the recovery of said inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel which comprises:
• a. disrupting the matrix structure of said polymeric binder by treating said pyrotechnic composition with a swelling agent, or depolymerizing agent, substantially chemically unreactive with said inorganic oxidizer and said metallic fuel;
• b. separating the inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel from the disrupted polymeric matrix of step a;
• c. contacting the inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel from step b with a fluid selected from water, or a fluid having a density intermediate to that of the inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel, and being substantially chemically unreactive therewith, to form a mixture which comprises, a solution of inorganic oxidizer and solid metallic fuel, or a layer of solid metallic fuel, a layer of said fluid of intermediate density and a layer of solid inorganic oxidizer;
• and
• d. separating said mixture of step c.