When monofilament line is not properly discarded it becomes a major hazard to fish, wildlife and human recreation in our rivers, estuaries oceans and surrounding land.  Marine ecosystems are particularly at risk to the dangers of waste monofilament.  All kinds of wildlife are impacted by waste monofilament.  Everything to birds, sea turtles, alligators, manatees and of course fish!  Fish and other wildlife can become wrapped in monofilament making them unable to avoid predators, hunt for food and ultimately result in their death.   

 

We need your help!  Please dispose of monofilament properly.  If your line becomes tangled in trees or underwater - don't leave a mess for a bird or fish to tangle in.  Remove and dispose of as much of the waste line as possible.  In some communities there are active monofilament recycling programs.  Your club, business or community group can bring a recycling receptacle to your favorite fishing access.  The recycled monofilament is made into other useful plastic products like fishing gear boxes. 

 

Want information about how to set up a program in your area? Try these links:
Monofilament Recycling and Recovery Program
Reel in and Recycle

Try Contacting your State Fish and Game.  Many have active programs. 

Interested in getting your club or council involved in recycling monofilament? It is easy to get started.  Here is a plan to help get the program kick started in your area.

 

Materials list for constructing collection bins. Download materials list

Images of completed bin and decal

Plan a work day to make and mount the bins with your club

Create a plan for removing and recycling the collected monofilament

Map out locations that would be most appropriate for the collection bins (marinas, boat launches, and fishing access points)

Get permission to mount collection bins at appropriate locations

 

Other helpful tips:

-Information on recycling collection: Pure Fishing America (Berkley) accepts monofilament for recycling.  Contact Berkley at 1800-BERKLEY  or  1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360-1041.  Pure Fishing melts the line down into raw plastic pellets that can be made into other plastic products including tackle boxes, spools for line, fish habitats, and toys. It is not made into more monofilament line.

-Contact your state game and fish department.  Often they are an important partner and also can help you gain approval for mounting collection bins at fishing access sites.

-This program is a great way to partner with different groups, such as fish and game agencies, fly shops, marinas, other conservation groups.

-Often your local hardware store will be willing to donate construction materials to your project.  It never hurts to ask!

-Take photos of your efforts and submit a press release to your local paper.