How to Recycle Fishing Line in Florida: A Simple End-of-Trip Routine

A clean fishing spot is part of a good Florida water day. A few feet of leftover fishing line can be nearly invisible on a dock or shoreline, and loose line can entangle wildlife. Here is a simple way to handle it before you leave.

Know which line belongs in a recycling tube

Florida’s Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program accepts single-filament nylon line, including monofilament and fluorocarbon. Braided line, wire line, and line heavily mixed with plant material do not belong in its recycling bins. Remove hooks, weights, leaders and other trash from the line before dropping it off.

Use the right drop-off point

Look for a fishing-line recycling tube at a boat ramp, pier or marina, or an indoor collection box at a participating tackle shop. The FWC bin-location map lets you search by county and location. Check the map before your trip; a bin’s placement may change.

What if there is no bin nearby?

Keep used line contained in a small bag or container until you can reach a participating drop-off. Do not put fishing line in regular curbside recycling. If line cannot be recycled, FWC advises cutting it into short lengths of about 6–12 inches and placing it in a covered trash bin. Keep sharp tackle separate and secured.

A 30-second departure check

1. Look around the spot where you rigged or changed tackle.
2. Collect loose line and secure it so it cannot blow away.
3. Sort recyclable single-strand line from braid or wire.
4. Drop recyclable line in a designated bin or pack it out for later.

For a smoother day at the launch, read our Florida boat ramp etiquette guide. The next time you head out, make leaving the water cleaner part of the routine. What is the easiest line-disposal habit your fishing crew has adopted?

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program and FAQ, reviewed September 24, 2026.