US navy decides to recycle four retired ships

BALTIMORE (Scrap Monster): U.S. navy has decided to recycle four of its retired ships because of higher scrap prices now. Meanwhile the navy will go forth with its plan to sink one expired ship to make it as an artificial reef.

The coordinator of the artificial reef program for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says the ship is to be sunk this year. Jeff Tinsman says the department is working with the Navy and the federal environmental officials to prepare the ship and receive approval.

Crews are removing asbestos and other hazardous materials from the destroyer in a Philadelphia shipyard, while environmental groups say the ship should be recycled and not sunk.