Most fishing line and net recycling happens through tackle shops, not municipal programs
Fishing line and nets do not belong in curbside recycling bins. They tangle in sorting machinery and shut down entire facilities. Instead, your best options are tackle shops that run their own collection programs, manufacturer take-back schemes, and a small number of specialized recycling facilities that handle monofilament specifically.
The reason this matters: abandoned fishing line kills wildlife. Monofilament tangles around birds, turtles, and fish. Nets left in water continue catching animals for years. Recycling programs exist because anglers recognize the problem and have built systems to handle it — but you have to know where those systems are.
Key Takeaways
- Many independent tackle shops collect used fishing line at the counter for free, and some mail it to recyclers on your behalf.
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's both run monofilament recycling programs at their stores nationwide.
- Berkley, Spiderwire, and other line manufacturers accept used line through mail-back programs listed on their websites.
- Fishing net recycling is less common but available through some marine supply shops and coastal environmental organizations.
- Never put fishing line in a trash can or recycling bin — it must go to a facility equipped to handle it.
Tackle Shop Collection Programs
Your local tackle shop is often the easiest place to start. Many independent shops keep a collection bin near the register specifically for monofilament line. You walk in, drop your used line in the bin, and leave. No cost, no paperwork. Some shops collect line from customers only; others accept it from anyone in the community.
Call ahead to confirm your shop participates. Ask whether they collect braided line and fluorocarbon in addition to monofilament — policies vary. Some shops keep line in-house until they have enough to ship to a recycler; others partner with a specific facility and send batches monthly. Either way, the line gets handled properly instead of ending up in landfills or waterways.
If your nearest shop does not have a program, ask the owner whether they would consider starting one. Many shops are willing to set up a simple bin if a few regular customers express interest. The recycler handles logistics; the shop just provides space.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Monofilament Recycling
Bass Pro Shops operates a monofilament recycling program at most of its locations. Walk into any Bass Pro store, find the customer service desk, and ask where the monofilament recycling bin is located. It is usually near the front of the store or at the service counter. Drop your used line — monofilament only — into the bin. The company ships collected line to a recycler that processes it into plastic pellets for reuse.
Cabela's, which is owned by Bass Pro Shops, runs the same program at its stores. The process is identical: locate the bin, drop your line, and the store handles the rest. Both chains accept monofilament from any customer, whether you purchased the line there or elsewhere.
Braided line and fluorocarbon are not accepted in these bins. Monofilament only. If you have mixed line types, separate them before you go, or ask the store staff which types they take.
Manufacturer Mail-Back Programs
Berkley, one of the largest fishing line manufacturers, runs a mail-back recycling program. Visit berkley-fishing.com, find the recycling or sustainability page, and follow the instructions to request a prepaid shipping label. You pack your used Berkley line in a box, print the label, and mail it. Berkley processes the line and recycles it into new products.
Spiderwire offers a similar program through its website. Other manufacturers including Cortland, Suffix, and Seaguar have recycling information on their sites, though programs vary — some offer mail-back, others direct you to local collection points. Check the manufacturer's website before you mail anything; some programs require you to use their line specifically, while others accept any brand.
Mail-back programs work well if you have a large volume of line or live far from a tackle shop. The downside is that you pay for postage unless the manufacturer provides a prepaid label. Read the program details carefully to understand what you are responsible for.
Fishing Net Recycling Options
Fishing net recycling is less developed than line recycling, but options exist. Marine supply shops in coastal areas sometimes collect nets, especially if they sell commercial or recreational nets themselves. Call ahead — this is not as standardized as line collection, and availability depends on your location.
Coastal environmental organizations occasionally run net collection drives or accept nets as part of beach cleanup programs. Search online for "[your state] fishing net recycling" or contact your state's fish and wildlife agency to ask whether they know of local programs. Some organizations focus specifically on removing abandoned nets from water and may accept nets you want to recycle.
If you cannot find a local program, some tackle shops that collect line will also take nets, though you should call first. Never assume — net recycling infrastructure is still developing, and what works in one area may not exist in another.
What Happens to Recycled Fishing Line
Monofilament line collected through these programs goes to specialized recyclers that sort it by type and condition. Usable line is cleaned and repackaged for resale or donation to fishing programs. Damaged or degraded line is melted down into plastic pellets, which manufacturers use to make new fishing line, plastic lumber, or other products.
The recycling process is not perfect — some line cannot be recovered — but it keeps the material out of landfills and waterways. Recyclers report that monofilament collected from tackle shops and retailers is cleaner and easier to process than line recovered from beaches or water, which is why shop drop-off programs matter.
Why Curbside Recycling Does Not Work for Fishing Line
Fishing line tangles around the sorting equipment at municipal recycling facilities, causing expensive shutdowns and safety hazards for workers. A single piece of monofilament can wrap around a spinning shaft and jam the entire machine. Facilities have to stop operations, shut down the equipment, and manually remove the line — a process that costs time and money.
Because of this, most municipal recycling programs explicitly prohibit fishing line. Check your local program's website or call to confirm, but assume line is not accepted unless you see it listed as approved. Putting line in a curbside bin creates a problem for the facility and defeats the purpose of recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put fishing line in my regular recycling bin?
No. Fishing line tangles in sorting machinery and shuts down recycling facilities. It must go to a tackle shop, manufacturer program, or specialized recycler. Check your local program's website to confirm, but assume line is prohibited unless explicitly listed as accepted.
Do I need to clean my fishing line before recycling it?
Rinsing line is helpful but not required. Remove any obvious debris, hooks, or weights. If line is heavily soiled or has algae buildup, a quick rinse makes the recycler's job easier, but most programs accept line as-is.
What types of line can I recycle?
Monofilament is accepted everywhere. Braided line and fluorocarbon are accepted at some programs but not others — check before you drop them off. If a program only takes monofilament, keep braided and fluorocarbon separate. Some manufacturers accept all types through mail-back programs.
Is there a cost to recycle fishing line?
No. Tackle shop drop-off is free. Manufacturer mail-back programs are free if they provide a prepaid shipping label; some require you to pay postage. Check the program details before mailing.
What should I do with old fishing nets?
Call local marine supply shops or coastal environmental organizations to ask whether they accept nets. If no local program exists, some tackle shops that collect line will also take nets, but call first. Never leave nets in water or throw them in the trash.