X rays are high-energy ionizing rays, which can cause severe damage to the human body if the proper protection is not in place. Traditionally, lead-containing radiation shielding materials have been used for protection of both, the patients and the operators, in medical X ray diagnostic and interventional settings. Lead is known to be a good X ray attenuation metal due to its high atomic number (Z), high density and low cost, but its weight and toxicity have prompted the search for light-weight and lead-free shielding materials [1, 2]. In this study, recyclable non-lead radiation shielding materials with superior protection in an extended range of diagnostic X ray energies from 50 to 150 kV are presented. The radiation protective materials consist of optimized elastomeric matrix filled with non-lead protective metal particles, such as antimony, bismuth, tungsten, barium, etc. Light-weight radiation shielding materials were made by selecting the proper combination of metals with certain Z, density and K-adsorption edge, and by optimizing their loading level, particle sizes and particle size distributions. The materials showed a superior attenuation level against primary and scatter X rays compared to competitive materials, as tested in a modified broad beam geometry (BBG*) according to the IEC 61331-1: 2014 standard [3]. The attenuation level of the presented lead-free materials is comparable to that of lead-containing shielding materials [4]. Moreover, the materials have improved mechanical properties, viz. tensile strength, toughness and elongation, which enable applications in various medical settings, such as protective aprons, caps, sleeves, vests, thyroid shields, drapes, blankets, and other protective garments. Lastly, but not least, the presented lead-free protective materials are recyclable and can be re-processed in the same manufacturing processes used for their original production.