Lead waste

Common lead-contaminated wastes at indoor ranges include:

• Spent bullets. Sift these out of indoor impact berms or collect them in traps at the back of the range. Recycle spent bullets at a lead bullet recycling facility.
• Casings. These can be recycled and often have value (brass, for instance).
• Intake and exhaust filters from indoor ranges are dangerous waste when disposed of but may be excluded from regulation as dangerous waste if sent to a smelter for lead recovery.
• Other common items such as lead-contaminated personal protective equipment, mop water, HEPA vacuum filters, rags, and debris often designate as dangerous waste.

Contact rangewaste@ecy.wa.gov with questions about compliance or best management practices.

Many of the same wastes generated at indoor ranges are also found at outdoor ranges. However, at outdoor shooting ranges, spent lead bullets and shot become waste once abandoned (i.e., left on the ground). If left on the ground, an outdoor range could be considered an unpermitted hazardous waste landfill.

We recommend outdoor shooting ranges follow the EPA’s Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges, which includes the following:

• Collect and recycle metal casings, shells, duds (live ammunition that has failed to fire).
• Regularly collect and recycle spent lead bullets and shot from berms and fall zones. These can be recycled or sold to a recycler (which can offset removal costs).
• Collect and designate clay pigeons. Clay pigeons may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, persistent chemicals known to cause cancer, other health issues, and impacts to the environment. Clean up and designate clay pigeon debris prior to disposal.
• Improve range design to facilitate easier recovery of metals for recycling, improve safety, and protect the environment.

Why improve range design?
Improved range designs can prevent pollution, costly cleanups, and protect range users, neighbors, and wildlife. For example:

• Designing structures at the firing line to prevent wayward bullets.
• Designing impact berms that can be sifted for lead recovery.
• Putting a roof over impact berms to help prevent stormwater contamination.

Contact rangewaste@ecy.wa.gov with questions about compliance or best management practices.