How to Recycle Fishing Line

Anglers love the greater outdoors, and we understand it’s our responsibility to protect the environment. That includes recycling your fishing line. Fishing line can present an entanglement danger to wildlife, making it doubly important for you to make sure your old line is recycled properly.

Keep used fishing line contained

The first and most important part of recycling fishing line is simply to keep it contained and under your control. This is easy when you strip and re-spool a reel at home, but it can be a bit tougher out on the water.

Make sure to reserve space in a storage compartment and bring something to hold your used line, like a small food storage container. This way your old line won’t make a mess of your tacklebox or blow overboard.

Clear all your tackle

Empty the container into a larger bag or box after fishing trips, making sure to remove items  like swivels, sinkers or hooks.  

Find a location that recycles fishing line

Don’t put old fishing line in the recycle bin. There are thousands of fishing line drop-off locations nationwide. You can find them at many tackle shops, boat ramps, marinas and DNR Service Centers.

If you can’t find a drop-off nearby, mail it to Berkley Fishing at the address below.

Berkley Recycling

1900 18th St.

Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Set up a recycling drop-off

If your favorite fishing hole is far from a monofilament fishing line recycling drop-off, you could be the hero of the town bywith PVC parts you can find at the hardware store. Check your bin regularly and when it’s full ship the old line to Berkley Recycling’s address above.

As anglers, we’re stewards of the waterways and that means it’s up to us to do our part, ensuring all used fishing line gets recycled.