Where fishing waste goes matters more than you might think
Fishing waste—monofilament line, broken rods, old tackle boxes, damaged nets, and worn-out waders—ends up in landfills, waterways, or incinerators depending on what it is and where you live. Most of it can be diverted from the trash, but the route depends on the material. Monofilament line and lead weights need specialized recycling. Wooden tackle boxes and cork handles go to regular recycling or compost. Metal reels and aluminum rods belong in scrap metal programs. The wrong disposal method wastes resources and can harm fish and wildlife, especially when line or nets reach water.
This guide covers what to do with each type of fishing waste, where to find local programs, and how to prepare materials so they actually get recycled instead of rejected at the facility.
Key Takeaways
- Monofilament line must go to specialized recycling programs—regular curbside recycling will jam the machinery and contaminate other materials.
- Lead weights and sinkers are hazardous waste in most states and require drop-off at a hazmat facility or a fishing retailer that accepts them.
- Metal rods, reels, and tackle boxes go to scrap metal recyclers or curbside metal recycling, but check your local program's size limits first.
- Netting, waders, and fabric gear can often be donated to fishing clubs, schools, or animal rescue organizations before disposal becomes necessary.
- Your state's fish and wildlife agency or solid waste department can direct you to the nearest specialized fishing waste program.
Monofilament line: why it cannot go in regular recycling
Monofilament line tangles around the sorting machinery at recycling facilities, stopping the equipment and forcing workers to cut it out by hand. A single spool of old line can jam an entire facility for hours. For this reason, curbside recycling programs explicitly reject monofilament, and putting it in the bin contaminates the whole load.
Instead, take monofilament to a dedicated monofilament recycling program. Many fishing retailers—Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and local tackle shops—have collection bins near the register. Some state fish and wildlife agencies run drop-off sites. Search "monofilament recycling near me" or call your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife to find the nearest location. If you fish frequently, keep a small container in your truck and drop off line every few months rather than waiting until you have a large spool.
Before you drop it off, wind the line loosely around a cardboard tube or spool so it does not tangle with other materials. Do not compress it into a tight ball.
Lead weights and sinkers: hazardous waste disposal
Lead is toxic to fish, birds, and humans, especially children. Many states classify lead fishing weights as hazardous waste and prohibit them from landfills. Even if your state does not, lead should not reach waterways or soil.
Take lead weights and sinkers to a hazmat collection event run by your city or county—most hold them quarterly or annually. Call your local solid waste department or search your city's website for "hazardous waste collection" to find the schedule. Some fishing retailers also accept lead weights for recycling; call ahead to confirm. Do not throw them in the trash or leave them at a general recycling center.
If you have a large quantity of lead weights, contact a scrap metal recycler directly. They may accept lead separately from other metals and may even pay you a small amount per pound, depending on current market prices.
Metal rods, reels, and aluminum tackle boxes
Aluminum rods, metal reels, and aluminum tackle boxes belong in scrap metal recycling. Most communities have at least one scrap metal facility that accepts these materials for free or pays by weight. Search "scrap metal recycling near me" or check Earth911.com, which has a searchable database of recyclers by material and location.
Before you take metal gear to a recycler, remove any plastic handles, cork grips, or rubber components. Most facilities will accept mixed metal (aluminum, steel, brass), but separating materials beforehand speeds up the process. If a reel has a wooden spool, ask the recycler whether they want you to remove it or if they will separate it themselves.
Some recyclers have size or weight limits—call ahead if your item is unusually large or heavy. A few facilities pay for scrap metal by weight, so if you have several old rods or reels, you may receive a small payment.
Waders, nets, and fabric gear
Waders, chest packs, nets, and other fabric gear often have a second life before they need disposal. Fishing clubs, youth organizations, and schools sometimes accept donations of used gear for teaching programs or loaning to members. Post on local fishing forums or Facebook groups to see if anyone wants your old equipment.
If the gear is damaged beyond repair, check whether your curbside program accepts textiles. Some communities have separate textile collection bins or accept fabric at certain drop-off locations. If not, textiles go to the landfill, but donating first keeps usable gear in circulation.
Netting that is tangled, torn, or contaminated with algae should not be donated. Dispose of it as regular trash unless your local program has a separate organic waste stream for plant material.
Wooden tackle boxes and cork handles
Wooden tackle boxes and cork grips can go to compost if they are untreated wood and cork. However, most tackle boxes are sealed or varnished, which means they should go to regular trash instead. Check the box for paint, stain, or varnish—if you see any, it is not compostable.
If the box is raw wood with no finish, you can compost it or take it to a wood recycling program. Some facilities accept untreated wood scraps for mulch or animal bedding. Call your local solid waste department to ask whether your area has a wood recycling program.
Cork grips and handles that are loose or damaged can sometimes be composted if they are pure cork with no adhesive. If they are glued to a rod or attached with epoxy, leave them on the rod and send the whole assembly to scrap metal recycling.
Fishing line spools and plastic packaging
Plastic spools that monofilament line comes on can go in curbside recycling if your program accepts rigid plastics. Check your local guidelines—most accept #1 and #2 plastics, and many spools are #2 (high-density polyethylene). Rinse the spool first to remove any residue.
Plastic packaging from tackle, lures, and hooks goes to curbside recycling if it is clean and dry. Blister packs and clamshell packaging are often rejected because they jam sorting machinery, so check your program's rules before putting them in the bin. When in doubt, throw it away rather than contaminating a load.
Finding programs in your area
Your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife is the fastest way to locate specialized fishing waste programs. Most state agencies maintain lists of monofilament drop-off sites and can direct you to hazmat collection events. Search "[your state] fish and wildlife monofilament recycling" or call the main office.
Earth911.com and Call2Recycle.org both have searchable databases where you can enter your zip code and the material type. They will show you the nearest facilities and their hours. For lead and hazardous materials, contact your city or county solid waste department directly—they maintain the schedule for hazmat collection events.
Fishing retailers often know local programs better than government websites do. Call a nearby tackle shop and ask where they recommend taking old line, weights, and gear. They may have collection bins on-site or know of a program you would not find online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put monofilament line in my regular recycling bin?
No. Monofilament tangles around sorting machinery and stops the equipment. It contaminates the entire load and forces workers to cut it out by hand. Take it to a specialized monofilament recycling program instead—most tackle shops and state fish and wildlife agencies have collection bins.
What do I do with old fishing line if there is no recycling program nearby?
If no local program exists, wind the line tightly around a cardboard tube and throw it away. This prevents it from tangling in landfill equipment. Do not leave it loose in the trash. Some online retailers and fishing forums occasionally organize mail-in monofilament recycling, so search for current options in your region.
Are all fishing weights hazardous waste?
Lead weights and sinkers are hazardous in most states. Tungsten and bismuth weights are safer alternatives and can go to scrap metal recycling or regular trash. If you are unsure what your weights are made of, take them to a hazmat collection event to be safe.
Can I donate old waders and fishing gear?
Yes, if they are in usable condition. Fishing clubs, youth organizations, schools, and outdoor nonprofits often accept donations. Post on local fishing forums or Facebook groups first. If no one wants them, check whether your community accepts textiles at a separate drop-off location.
What happens to monofilament line after it is recycled?
Recycled monofilament is shredded and melted into plastic pellets, which are used to make new fishing line, plastic lumber, or other consumer products. Some programs donate collected line to animal rescue organizations that use it to remove fishing line from wildlife.