How to Recycle Fishing Equipment
Rods, reels, tackle, and fishing line. Monofilament recycling via BoatUS/Berkley is the main specialty path; other gear is reuse-focused.
Quick answer
Put monofilament in BoatUS Fishing Line Recycling bins at bait shops and ramps; if none are nearby, cut line into short pieces and trash it so wildlife cannot tangle in long strands. Donate or sell usable rods, reels, and tackle.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Quality reels and rods retain resale value; line recycling is environmental diversion, not a payout
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Spool loose line into a BoatUS bin bag or sealed container
- 2If trashing line, cut into pieces about 6 inches or shorter
- 3Clean rods and reels; note working vs broken items
- 4Sort lead sinkers separately and follow local rules
- 5Remove hooks from donation tackle when safety requires it
- BoatUS Fishing Line Recycling bins (bait shops, piers, ramps)
- Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and outdoor retailers
- Play It Again Sports
- Take Me Fishing and youth education programs
- State fish and wildlife education events
BoatUS reports thousands of fishing-line recycling bins nationwide; collected line is processed (Berkley Recycling in Spirit Lake, IA is a known destination in program materials). Never leave loose line outdoors. BoatUS notes line can persist for centuries in marine environments; treat that as program guidance. Lead sinkers are being phased down in many waters; check state rules and prefer non-lead alternatives. Rods and reels belong at Play It Again Sports, thrift, or youth/veteran fishing programs when usable.
Line recycling and proper trash disposal reduce entanglement injuries to birds and aquatic animals. Reusing tackle avoids new plastics and metals.
- Cut and trash line when no bin exists
- Sell vintage reels to collectors
- Repurpose tackle boxes for small-parts storage
Accepted
- Monofilament and similar line for BoatUS bins
- Working rods and reels
- Tackle boxes and lures in safe condition
- Nets and landing gear
- Ice and fly gear when programs want them
Not Accepted
- Loose long strands of line left in the environment
- Illegal gear
- Lead sinkers where local rules ban them
- Severely rusted hooks donated without safety packaging
Estimated value: Quality reels and rods retain resale value; line recycling is environmental diversion, not a payout
Donation
- Take Me Fishing
- Scout troops
- Veterans fishing programs
- State fish and wildlife education programs
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Lead fishing weights
- Sharp hooks
What if there is no BoatUS bin nearby?
Cut line into short pieces (BoatUS suggests about 6 inches or less) and put it in the trash so animals cannot get tangled in long loops.
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Recycling centers that accept Fishing Equipment
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