What happens to old fishing line, nets, and tackle when you recycle them
Recycled fishing gear keeps plastic out of waterways and landfills by converting worn nets, line, and tackle into new products — or breaking them down into raw material for manufacturing. A fishing line that would take 600 years to decompose in the ocean can instead become playground equipment, dock decking, or industrial plastic pellets within months of collection. The process starts with sorting: facilities separate monofilament line from braided line, nets from hard plastics, and metals from synthetics, because each material requires different processing.
Most recycling programs for fishing gear operate through drop-off locations at marinas, tackle shops, and fishing clubs rather than curbside pickup. The collected gear is transported to specialized facilities — not standard municipal recycling centers, which lack the equipment to handle tangled nets or heavy monofilament. From there, the material is either cleaned, shredded, and melted into pellets for new manufacturing, or sorted into categories for donation to repair programs or educational use.
Key Takeaways
- Fishing line and nets take centuries to break down in water and are a leading cause of wildlife entanglement; recycling diverts this material before it reaches waterways.
- Drop-off locations at marinas and tackle shops are the primary way to recycle fishing gear, not municipal curbside programs.
- Recycled monofilament becomes dock decking, playground equipment, and plastic pellets for new products rather than sitting in landfills.
- Tangled or knotted gear should be loosened before drop-off so sorting facilities can process it efficiently.
- Some regions have mobile collection events or mail-back programs for anglers who lack nearby drop-off access.
Where to drop off used fishing line and nets
Marina fuel docks and bait shops are the most reliable drop-off points because they see anglers regularly and often partner with recycling organizations. Call ahead to confirm they accept the specific items you have — most take monofilament line and nets, but policies on damaged reels, broken rods, or rusted hooks vary by location. Some marinas have dedicated collection bins near the cleaning stations; others ask you to bring items to the office.
Fishing clubs and conservation groups in your region may also run collection drives or maintain permanent drop boxes. The American Sportfishing Association and Project AWARE maintain searchable databases of recycling locations by state and region, though availability changes seasonally. If your area has no permanent location, check whether local environmental nonprofits or your state's fish and wildlife department runs periodic collection events — many organize these during spring or fall fishing seasons.
Preparing gear for recycling
Tangled line and knotted nets slow down sorting and can jam processing equipment, so loosening your gear before drop-off helps the facility work faster. Unwind monofilament from spools and coil it loosely rather than leaving it wound tight. If you have a large ball of tangled line, cut it into manageable sections — a few 3- to 4-foot lengths are easier to sort than one massive knot.
Nets should be rinsed of mud and debris if possible, though most facilities expect some sediment. Remove any hooks, weights, or floats attached to nets, as these are sorted separately. Hard plastics like tackle boxes and rod cases can often be recycled, but confirm with the facility first — some accept only line and nets, while others take broader categories of fishing equipment.
What recycled fishing gear becomes
Monofilament line is most commonly melted down into plastic pellets that manufacturers use to make dock decking, composite lumber, and outdoor furniture. This material is durable enough for high-traffic applications because recycled fishing line has already proven it can withstand UV exposure and moisture. Some facilities produce smaller quantities of specialty items like fishing tackle organizers or educational kits for schools.
Nets are often shredded and processed into pellets for similar applications, though some programs donate intact nets to developing regions for aquaculture or subsistence fishing. Braided line and specialty synthetics may be sorted separately because they have different melting points and require different processing. Metal components — hooks, weights, swivels — are separated magnetically and sent to metal recyclers.
Why fishing gear recycling matters for water ecosystems
Abandoned or discarded fishing line and nets are among the most persistent sources of wildlife entanglement in freshwater and marine environments. A single piece of monofilament can wrap around a fish's body or a bird's leg, restricting movement and causing injury or death. Unlike organic materials, monofilament does not biodegrade — it fragments into smaller pieces that are ingested by fish and waterfowl, entering the food chain.
Recycling programs reduce the amount of gear that ends up in waterways by creating a convenient alternative to disposal. When anglers have a nearby drop-off location, they are more likely to recycle old line than to leave it on the bank or throw it in the trash, where it can eventually wash into rivers and lakes. Over time, widespread recycling also reduces the volume of plastic entering landfills, which can leach chemicals into groundwater.
Regional programs and mail-back options
Some states run their own fishing gear recycling initiatives through fish and wildlife departments. California's Department of Fish and Wildlife, for example, partners with tackle shops and marinas to collect line and nets. Oregon and Washington have similar programs coordinated through state agencies. Check your state's fish and wildlife website for program details and participating locations.
If you live far from a drop-off location, a few organizations offer mail-back programs where you package used line and nets and send them to a processing facility. Postage is usually covered by the program, though you may need to pay for shipping depending on the organization. These programs are less common than drop-off locations but are worth investigating if your region has no nearby marina or shop that accepts recycling.
Reducing fishing gear waste before recycling becomes necessary
The most effective way to reduce plastic waste from fishing gear is to buy durable equipment and maintain it properly so it lasts longer. Monofilament line degrades over time from UV exposure, so storing spools in a cool, dark place extends their usable life. Reels and rods that are cleaned and oiled after saltwater use resist corrosion and remain functional for years rather than months.
Buying line and tackle in quantities you will actually use prevents waste from expired or forgotten stock. Some anglers accumulate dozens of spools of line they never fish, which eventually end up in recycling or landfills. Choosing quality over quantity — fewer, better-made items rather than cheap gear that breaks quickly — reduces the total volume of material entering the waste stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put fishing line in my regular curbside recycling bin?
No. Monofilament line tangles around the sorting machinery at municipal recycling facilities and can shut down operations for hours. Always take fishing line to a specialized drop-off location at a marina or tackle shop instead. Curbside programs are not equipped to handle it.
What should I do with old fishing hooks and weights?
Remove hooks and weights from nets and line before recycling, as they are sorted separately. Metal hooks and weights go to metal recyclers, not fishing gear programs. Some tackle shops accept them, but call ahead to confirm. Plastic weights can sometimes go with line and nets, depending on the facility.
Is there a cost to recycle fishing gear?
Drop-off recycling is free at marinas, tackle shops, and most conservation programs. Mail-back programs vary — some cover postage, others charge a small fee. Contact the program directly to ask about costs before sending anything.
How long does it take for recycled fishing line to become a new product?
Processing typically takes a few weeks to a few months from collection to finished product, depending on the facility's volume and the type of product being made. Dock decking and composite lumber require more processing time than plastic pellets for industrial use.
Can I recycle damaged fishing rods and reels?
Policies vary by location. Some facilities accept only line and nets, while others take broader categories of equipment. Call the drop-off location first to ask whether they accept rods, reels, and tackle boxes. If they do not, ask whether they can refer you to a repair program or donation center.