Fishing Line Recycling Efforts

The BoatUS Reel In & Recycle program, funded by NOAA Marine Debris Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has come up with an effort to reduce environmental harm from improperly disposed monofilament fishing line. Since 2007, the initiative has installed over 2,000 recycling bins and assisted in creating more than 11,000 additional bins nationwide, enabling proper disposal of over 20,000 miles of fishing line. The program emphasizes accessibility, volunteer involvement, and educational signage to increase participation.

Since 2007, BoatUS has worked to make recycling old fishing line easier. We launched our Fishing Line Recycling program with grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.

Since then, our organization has built more than 2,000 recycling bins for fishing spots across the country and assisted other organizations and individual to build over 11,000 more. That’s enabled anglers to properly dispose of more than 20,000 miles (and counting) of fishing line. Through this program, our goal is to preserve the water environments we love for future generations to enjoy.

We accomplish this by providing motivated fishing enthusiasts with the support and guidance they need to get involved.

BoatUS provides signs and decals for fishing line recycling bins. This has led to the creation of more than 13,000 fishing line recycling bins across the country. Together, we’re already making a huge impact on our favorite marine environments.

Initially, ODNR used these opaque PVC bins to collect fishing line but found participation limited: anglers and maintenance staff were reluctant to reach inside, and some placed items such as aluminum cans into the bins. Switching to clear plastic bins increased visibility of contents, reduced misuse, and encouraged participation by reducing fear of unknown materials inside. The redesign improved collection rates, demonstrating how user-centered design and transparency can enhance environmental programs while protecting waterways.

References.

Monofilament - Build A Bin. (2025). BoatUS Foundation. https://www.boatus.org/reel-in

‌This review draws on content from the BoatUS Reel In & Recycle program webpage (2025) (~40%), my own synthesis regarding ODNR’s transition from PVC to clear plastic bins and the resulting improvements (50_{%), and AI assistance in summarizing, quoting, and drafting prose (}10%); all interpretations remain the responsibility of the author.