A front-end loader scrapes off the top few inches of soil and delivers it into a hopper. The soil then moves onto a conveyor belt that moves it into a screening machine. That machine screens out large particles, leaving only lead shot and small soil particles.But it is also a nonferrous metal, which according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc., means it can be recycled an infinite number of times. The work involves being on the road constantly, Frase and Moss said. Frase spent a good chunk of the past winter reclaiming lead from ranges in Florida. And business is booming: Shooting ranges and clubs across the country are making money to cover operating expenses by having their spent lead recycled.Several years ago a smelter that owed the company thousands of dollars for lead that had been reclaimed went bankrupt, Frase said. Lead Us Reclaim got in line behind secured creditors and didn’t collect a dime.
The program is part of a continuing effort to recycle nearly everything at the 1,600-member club, from metal bullet casings to the plastic that goes into shotgun shells, Golner said.
Then one day about seven years ago, the owner of the construction company where Moss worked “kind of decided to retire overnight,” and the firm shut down, Moss said.
The reclaimed product is close to 100% pure lead. It has to be. Smelters won’t accept the lead or will pay a reduced price for loads that are full of impurities.
They met with a retired engineer who helped them design a process that uses screens and blowers to separate lead BBs from soil and capture them for shipment to a smelter.
By Friday, Lead Us Reclaim had collected an estimated 130,000 pounds of lead at the trap range. If that were sold at recent cash prices on the London Metal Exchange, it would be worth more than $100,000.Once widely used in everything from paint to water pipes, the metal has been banned from products that allow lead an opportunity to be ingested by humans.
Hank Golner, trap shooting chairman at Daniel Boone, said the club spent three years researching the lead-recycling process and checking references of companies that do such work before deciding on Lead Us Reclaim.
Lead has been hovering around $2,000 per metric ton, according to the LME, the world’s largest nonferrous metal futures and options exchange. The price of a metric ton of lead has increased steadily from below $500 per metric ton at the beginning of this century, LME figures show.The agency has developed a set of best practices for handling lead at outdoor ranges, and it recommends that gun ranges adopt a program in which lead is regularly reclaimed. The two operate Lead Us Reclaim LLC, a lead reclamation company based in Augusta in western Wisconsin. They travel the country gathering up spent lead shot at shooting ranges, then sell it to smelters who process the metal for use in everything from radiation-shielding equipment to car batteries. Part of Lead Us Reclaim’s success is being driven by robust worldwide demand for lead-acid batteries in backup power systems for such things as cellphone towers, as well as growing affluence that has led to more automobiles in places such as China and India.
A patented blower system then forcefully sends air into that mixture. Since lead is heavier than soil, the lead falls into a container while the soil and other lighter matter is blown out and put back onto the range grounds.
A short time after that, Frase’s business, Frase’s Meats in Augusta, burned down. The fire started in an electrical panel, according to a news report. Frase and his family decided not to reopen the business.STC’s Lead Division provides the design and construction of turnkey plants and a wide range of equipment, services and innovative solutions for the recycling of lead and other valuable materials recovered from exhausted lead acid batteries. The final goal of the STC team is to help companies to reduce their operating costs, generate profit for their facilities and contribute to the protection of the environment. In accordance with the “Circular Economy” principles, STC has been increasingly optimising its processes over the years, thus enabling it to become one of the world’s most innovative engineering companies operating in this sector.
Our firing range lead reclamation services include removal and recycling of lead bullets and bullet fragments; sampling, analysis and monitoring of soil and groundwater conditions. At ELC, there’s no job we can’t handle. We service all shooting ranges including skeet and trap outdoor ranges and rubber trap indoor ranges. We service all police, public and private ranges.
Our professional staff possess the knowledge, resources and experience to complete your project large or small. We work with you, mitigating disturbance to your facility while operating safely and efficiently.How shooting ranges dispose of their lead is crucial to their operational planning, OSHA and EPA compliance, the environment and the health of their staff and customers.
Environmental Logistics Company provides lead recovery and recycling for outdoor and indoor ranges. We have the expertise, and the specialized equipment to recover the down range lead, to provide cash revenues, and to supply reloading shot to your members.
Lead is a hazardous material, capable of causing harm to human health or the environment if not responsibly handled. The National Rifle Association and the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommend lead reclamation.
Environmental Logistics Co. is passionate about protecting people and the environment from lead hazards and helping firing ranges protect their range and maintain regulatory compliance. ELC’s primary operations is to recycle tin and lead alloys, as well as other non-ferrous metals. ELC is proactive when it comes to effectively managing firing ranges from a health and environmental standpoint.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, welcomes the return of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association as Presenting Sponsor of the NSSF Range-Retailer…Read MoreIn either range scenario, the key to maximizing reclaimed value is careful assessment of the usage and lead present, followed by excavation, efficient separation, concentration equipment and utilizing a firm that has nationwide lead recycler agreements to receive maximum values, rather than local value for recycled lead. Jim Uhlinger (JU): Typically, lead reclamation for either rifle and pistol ranges or shotgun ranges should be carried out every three to five years, depending on the volume of activity your range experiences. Developing site-specific environmental stewardship plans for your range can help with your overall bullet containment and lead reclamation practices. That said, safety for your range’s shooters and staff must be considered first and foremost. Physical safety for shooters by avoiding ricochets off impact areas, for example, is one an outdoor range manager might not think about. But lead particles from ricochet can travel up to 50 yards or more, so it’s important that you carefully and regularly inspect backstops and the overall range to see where the lead is. ZS: Jim, are there major differences in reclaiming lead from outdoor ranges designed for rifle/pistol shooting compared to shotgun ranges offering clay target sports?The first is because the typical size and shape of lead obtained from rifle/pistol ranges and shotgun ranges may be significantly different (the soil matrix is usually different as well). Bullets and bullet fragments are expected to be around a quarter- to a half-inch or bigger (6.35mm to 12.7mm or larger). Lead shot can vary from 1.5mm to 2.0mm in diameter.
Never underestimate the ability of certain Members of Congress to waste taxpayer dollars and time on proposed legislation that is either already being done or…Read MoreJU: Lower-use rifle/pistol ranges can generate up to $30,000. That happened with a DNR range we recently worked on in Iowa. If, on the other hand, the range sees heavy use, such as a law enforcement range in a major metropolitan area of Washington we worked with, that total can be much higher. That Washington range generated more than $100,000 in recycling proceeds. Bottom line, though, is that lead reclamation at a rifle/pistol range typically will generate a significant offset to the cost of performing lead reclamation, and it may even generate enough money to pay for the project and have some left over.
JU: In addition to shooter safety, ranges must also focus on the environment. It is critical that ranges formulate management practices to avoid offsite releases of lead. A key factor in protecting the environment is verifying that lead bullets and shot are contained within the berms and property lines. This can be done by: JU: Yes. Many credible lead reclamation companies will share some of the proceeds generated from the recyclable lead recovered. However, many variables come into play when determining how much, if any, a range will receive. These elements include the equipment and technologies being used, methods to maximize the lead reclaimed from the range and any relationships the provider has established with top recyclers across the country. The relationships providers have established, can help defray the cost of your lead reclamation project because they are able to get top dollar for all the reclaimed lead, both lead shot and lead bullets. We’ve been in the business since 2000, and we create a product that is valuable to these recyclers, because we have invested millions of dollars into cutting-edge tools, techniques and methods to maximize lead reclaimed from a range. Because we obtain the highest possible lead proceeds, MT2 generally shares these proceeds with the range owner. Understanding the needs of your firing range and how to effectively plan a lead reclamation and maintenance schedule is very important, but those needs and plans will differ between indoor and outdoor ranges. We’ve talked before about reclaiming lead from indoor ranges, so for this column I spoke with Jim Uhlinger, Senior Range Engineer with MT2 firing range services, to discuss some of the common questions surrounding lead reclaimed/recovered from outdoor ranges, both rifle and pistol ranges and shotgun ranges offering clay target sports.
Shotgun ranges vary with usage and geometry, but a larger trap range, one with five or more heavily used fields, may generate $200,000 or more every five to 10 years. As a rule of thumb, though, shotgun range reclamation is typically performed when enough lead shot is available to cover the costs with a credit back to the range of up to 50 percent.
One of the most powerful forces in progressive politics announced he’s stepping away and named his son as successor. The plan means there could be…Read MoreThe key to lead reclamation on either type of range is to separate the lead from the soil and any vegetative debris. Based on our experience, the separation must be done by a system capable of separating lead from soils based on the lead size (using a screen) and on lead density (using a finishing system) to obtain the highest quantity and quality of lead for recycling.
We always recommend that periodic inspections of the downrange areas be conducted to confirm whether lead is staying on the range or potentially getting off-site. This inspection can be included in your environmental stewardship plan for the range. As soon as you start seeing lead in places you don’t expect it to be, it’s time to start thinking about containment and maintenance remedies.
One other thing to consider is that there’s a difference in the value of the lead between these two range types. Bullets and bullet fragments are typically multiple sizes and will splatter and hold onto the soil. Lead shot, of course, has a more regular spherical shape. As such, lead bullets and bullet fragments are considered scrap metal by the recycler and likely will be re-melted, whereas lead shot can be cleaned and reloaded and/or go to melt. Therefore, we typically see a better price from recyclers for lead shot.The second reason has to do with lead impact on the soil. On rifle and pistol ranges, berms are designed to receive and concentrate lead in areas behind targets. Bullets and bullet fragments may be found one to two feet below the surface of a rifle/pistol range soil backstop where the berm may consist of sand or clay. Shotgun pellets, though, are typically found within one to four inches of the surface in a shot fall zone.
JU: Yes, but the concept is the same at either type of range: Find the soil that has the lead, separate and concentrate the lead, recycle the lead and, if beneficial, treat and best-manage the soil by putting it back on the range. That said, the tools and techniques used for lead reclamation on a rifle/pistol range are different from those used on shotgun ranges. There are two reasons for this.
Have questions about your range and range management program? NSSF encourages you to work with one of our Range Action Specialists, who can provide onsite consultations. For more information, contact Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Shooting Range Services, at [email protected] operations throughout Europe, the United States, and Southern Africa, Ecobat is a leader in the collection, recycling, production and distribution of energy storage solutions, lead and polypropylene products, and other commodities essential to modern life. We are also leading the way on lithium battery collection and recycling management services to empower sustainability efforts around the world.Alongside our lead production and recycling operations, Ecobat also manages the reclamation of polypropylene used in the development of premium polymer solutions. For more than a decade, we’ve been developing PP-recyclate as a high-quality alternative to industry polymers.Lead recycling is a critical way to help meet the growing demand for energy availability around the world. It means we can deliver important resources and at the same time leave a smaller footprint. 70% of all rechargeable battery energy storage capacity worldwide is provided by lead batteries, and 99% of the materials lead batteries are made with can be recycled or reused. In fact, lead batteries are the most recycled consumer product on earth, and more than 80% of the lead Ecobat provides is from recycling. Dr. Andy Bush, Managing Director of International Lead Association, says lead batteries are “a truly green energy storage solution.”
The process begins with collecting batteries for recycling and delivering them to our facilities. The core material from these batteries is then recovered and refined to manufacture the highest quality lead and lead alloys, over 80% of which is returned to battery manufacturing. By keeping batteries within our network, we minimize the logistical requirements of transporting batteries and reduce our environmental impact.
Ecobat manages the collection of end-of-life batteries as part of our commitment to recycling energy storage solutions. Our 14 smelting facilities provide collection services for the markets in which we operate. Our collection services provide a collection truck fleet and 65,000 battery collection points, offering seamless service for battery collection and recycling. In addition to lead batteries, we also manage the collection and handling of other battery chemistries, including lithium.According to ILA, 99% of lead batteries in Europe and the US are collected at the end of their life and recycled to produce lead needed for new batteries, creating a truly closed-loop circular economy. Ecobat’s closed-loop recycling system means we manage the recycling process from start to finish, from collection through recycling through production of metal alloys, recycled plastics and materials from sulfur and, finally, distribution and servicing of new batteries. We accomplish this using our extensive global network of collection, recycling and distribution facilities. This allows us to maximize the recyclability of and return from recycled batteries, increasing value to our customers and enabling greater sustainability.
Backed by proven skill and expertise, NST Hitech Recycling Outdoor Range Lead Scrap is the undisputed brand to trust in Outdoor Range Lead Scrap services.NST Hitech Recycling’s love for Outdoor Range Lead Scrap drove him to successfully complete a decade of years. Our philosophy in Outdoor Range Lead Scrap is simple. Use the best quality & latest technology that are made available to you. Don’t compromise on their quality and be creative at every stage. Motivated by his passion for Outdoor Range Lead Scrap, NST Hitech Recycling continues reinventing himself. With the tremendous success of NST Hitech Recycling, Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service is known for the perfect Outdoor Range Lead Scrap place. This is one of Chennai’s foremost and most sought after Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service unit. The company’s constant pursuit is to ensure maximum customer satisfaction by giving them an unforgettable experience. Accompanied with quality on thime services.Established in the year 1994, NST Hitech Recycling in Chennai is an acknowledged Outdoor Range Lead Scrap establishment. Our Outdoor Range Lead Scrap services has impressed countless clients with their impressionable Outdoor Range Lead Scrap services. By orienting the best of resources with dedication and commitment towards Outdoor Range Lead Scrap services, We have set our own standards in the Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service industry. NST Hitech Recycling is one the well known name in Outdoor Range Lead Scrap Services. With the combination of experience in quality on time Outdoor Range Lead Scrap services, we have been able to create unforgettable memories for each one of our clients. The most important part of this business is that we all love what we do.Creating customized Outdoor Range Lead Scrap to meet unique business requirements is an important asset to any organization that wants to promote growth offers next-generation Outdoor Range Lead Scrap development services to help you sail easily through the constantly-evolving changes. We have many years of experience in the field of developing Outdoor Range Lead Scrap by Combining our developer’s skills & experience with the latest technology .We can deliver you with Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service according to your custom business requirements.It’s obvious that the Outdoor Range Lead Scrap plays a key role in the growth of your business. A Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service is important to make the mainstream businesses appear interactive . A well Outdoor Range Lead Scrap service allows you to gain a competitive advantage and brings long-term consistency in the market. Whenever you decide to improve the efficiency of your business , get in touch with NST Hitech Recycling, which is reputed as the best Outdoor Range Lead Scrap company in Chennai. With over hundreds of Outdoor Range Lead Scrap under our belt, we are confident that we will create a world-class Outdoor Range Lead Scrap for your business.All our lead sheet is manufactured from 100% recycled raw material thanks to our recycling loop system and environmentally sustainable processes. Alongside our core lead sheet products, our production facilities also offer:
Ecobat Solutions is focused on research and development to produce a constant flow of innovations that helps us meet the specific requirements of your business in the most sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective ways possible. We can also work with you to develop a unique solution.
Ecobat produces and supplies high-purity LME* grade lead with a purity between 99.97% and 99.99% for specific and critical requirements, such as for high performance battery oxides used in advanced lead batteries or in lead-based chemicals.
Explore our wide range of high-quality lead products, as well as special metals and alloys, that result from innovative, world-leading recycling and production processes.Our facilities in Europe, Africa and the US are best known for the highest quality anodes used in hydrometallurgical metal extraction (electrorefining and electrowinning of non-ferrous metals such as Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Mn), as well as lead anodes for surface treatment. Our services include:
We produce the highest quality rolled lead sheet for the construction industry and radiation-shielding applications. Our specialized plants manufacture a premium product to industrial standards including BS EN 12588 to ensure strength, durability via consistent thickness and grain structure.Ecobat is the global leader in the production of lead and lead alloys, mainly from recycled sources. Our extensive smelter network enables us to offer flexible, reliable solutions designed to your specifications, no matter the size of your business. We have 19 facilities, 14 smelters, and 3,000 employees, and all of our lead smelting operations are certified to ISO 9001.
Ecobat offers innovative, highly refined soft lead products via our lead recycling and production processes. Take a look at just a few of our breakthrough offerings. Thanks to our extensive expertise and R&D capabilities, we can also design and supply tailor-made lead alloys.
By combining decades of lead metallurgy experience and cutting-edge casting and rolling mill equipment, we produce and supply premium anodes to hundreds of customers worldwide.
The need for lead and its many applications spans the world, especially when it comes to providing energy for all as global demand continues to increase. Lead is a highly sustainable, safe, and cost-efficient energy storage solution. Yet its role is even bigger than this. Lead is a useful resource with unlimited possibilities. It can function in many different ways and has been approved for use in many critical industries. Lead serves as a key component in innovations and technologies that improve quality of life.
The global battery recycling market reached a value of US$ 14.4 Billion in 2022. As per the analysis by IMARC Group, the top players in the battery recycling companies are focusing on extensive research and development (R&D) activities to develop new and more efficient recycling technologies. Additionally, numerous key players are expanding their recycling facilities in order to meet the growing demand for recycling services. Besides this, various collaborations and strategic mergers and acquisitions are creating a positive market outlook. Moreover, key players in the battery recycling market are also adopting sustainable business practices, including the use of renewable energy and the reduction of waste in their operations. Looking forward, the market value is expected to reach US$ 23.3 Billion by 2028, growing at a projected CAGR of 8.2% during 2023-2028.
Learn about opportunities, challenges, and trends in the global battery recycling Manufacturing market with IMARC’s market research report. Try a free sample today!The global battery recycling market has several major players including Accurec Recycling GmbH, Aqua Metals, Battery Solutions, Call2recycle Inc., Eco-Bat Technologies, Enersys, Exide Technologies, G. & P. Batteries Limited, Gravita India Limited, Johnson Controls, Retriev Technologies Inc., and Umicore. More information about these companies has been provided below.
Shree Basu is an experienced content writer with a passion for researching about diverse markets, ranging from technology to chemistry to agriculture. She has around two years of experience in different aspects of market research and has worked with multiple startups and enterprises in the B2B, B2C, and retail industries. In her free time, Shree enjoys reading, feeding stray animals, and watching crime documentaries.
