Low-activation characteristics and dominant radioactive isotopes limiting materials recycling were analyzed for a fusion-reactor-grade vanadium alloy, NIFS-HEAT-2. In order to reduce contact dose rate after use in fusion reactors, purification of the base metal vanadium was examined by chemical aqueous separation, electron-beam vacuum melting and zone refining, focusing on the removal of the dominant high-activation impurities, such as Co, Cu, Fe, Nb, Ni and Mo. Based on the measured impurity levels, remote recycling of vanadium alloy is possible within ten years after use in fusion reactors under operation condition with 100 dpa irradiation. Early quasi-hands-on recycling requires further purification and re-design of alloy composition especially with low Ti and high Cr content. The present paper discusses status of material R&Ds for the ten-year recycling and impact on operation of fusion reactors.