Frequently Asked Questions

What is monofilament?
Most fishing line that you can buy today is made of monofilament-a single-strand, strong, flexible plastic that is clear or tinted blue, pink or green.

Why is monofilament a problem in the environment?
Most monofilament is non-biodegradable and can last hundreds of years depending on environmental conditions. Because it is thin and often clear, it is very difficult for birds and animals to see and they can easily brush up against it and become entangled in it. Once entangled, they may become injured, may drown, may become strangled, or may starve to death. Many animals also ingest fishing line. One recovered sea turtle was found to have consumed 590 feet of heavy-duty fishing line.

How does monofilament end up in the environment?
Much of the fishing line that ends up in the water gets there when someone's hook gets snagged on something underwater and the line breaks when pulled. Sometimes the line will rub against a sharp shell (like an oyster shell) and will break. Large fish can sometimes pull hard enough to break lines. Sometimes fishing lines get caught in trees and break off there. Even fishing line that is thrown in the garbage can end up in the environment-either by blowing out of the garbage can or landfill, or by being taken out by birds or animals.

Can all fishing line be recycled?
No, only fishing line that is a single filament, nylon product. Fishing line that is braided or contains wire can not be recycled. Fishing line that has a lot of growth on it or plant material mixed up with it may not be recyclable.

Who does the recycling?
Pure Fishing America (Berkley) in Iowa, 1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360-1041

How is monofilament recycled?
The monofilament is collected from recycling bins and cleaned of hooks, leaders, weights, and trash by volunteers. It is then shipped to the Berkley Pure Fishing Company in Iowa. Berkley 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.

How do I recycle my monofilament?
You can mail it directly to Berkley (call 1-800-BERKLEY), deposit it in cardboard recycling boxes which can be found in some tackle shops, or deposit it in an outdoor monofilament recycling container.

What should I do about a tangled animal I have seen?
If a marine mammal or turtle is spotted, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Alert Program at 1-888-404-FWCC(3922). Some birds can be untangled after first throwing a blanket over the bird's head to limit their eyesight. Just be careful not to tangle the bird in the blanket or towel! Refer to the brochures for further instructions.

How was MRRP originally funded?
Brevard County MRRP and the MRRP website and workshops were funded by a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Advisory Council for Environmental Education.

I always throw my line in the trash, is that ok?
If you throw out monofilament you are still keeping it out of the environment, but be sure to cut the line into short lengths (6" to 12"), because once it goes to the landfill it can be scavenged there by animals trying to use it to build nests, or eat it. These animals will get entangled, entangle their young, and will bring the line right back out into the environment.

Can I put fishing line in my recycling bin at home?
No. Fishing line is a high density plastic and requires a special recycling process. It cannot go into the most regular household recycling bins. Instead it can be brought to an outdoor recycling bin or to a participating tackle shop. I. If you spool line at home save it up in a box or bag and bring it to a drop off location.

What kinds of animals are harmed by monofilament?
There are many types of wildlife harmed by discarded fishing line. They most frequently include birds, turtles, manatee, fish, and dolphin, however these are not the only ones affected. Almost any type of animal you can imagine can be entangled in line, or will try to consume it. A turtle in New York State was found with 560 feet of heavy-duty monofilament in its gut.

How can I help?
There are many things that you can do to help keep line out of the environment.

  • Recover Your Line - Whenever possible retrieve and properly dispose of any monofilament line that you encounter. It is particularly important to take the time to remove monofilament from the mangroves if it becomes tangled there after miscasting.
  • Volunteer - Participate in local beach and river cleanup events. Volunteer for agencies that are actively sponsoring cleanups. Volunteer to sponsor an outdoor monofilament recycling bin and empty it of line on a monthly basis.
  • Be Line Conscious - Consider the age of your line and its strength and keep track of and store loose pieces of fishing line. Even tag ends cut from leaders can be stored easily for proper disposal. Cut an 'X' into the lid of a film or tennis ball canister to make it easy to poke the pieces of line through.
  • Recycle - Recycle monofilament fishing line at a local tackle shop or an outdoor PVC recycling bin posted at boat ramps and piers. If the tackle shop you visit does not have a recycling bin encourage them to participate in the program.
  • Boat Safety Rules - If you fish from a boat make it a boat rule not to throw any kind of plastic overboard and especially not monofilament line.
  • Make a Donation - The MRRP is a statewide effort funded in part by donations. You can help support the program by making a donation

How many states in the US have the MRRP?
Since Florida initiated the program in 1999, several states have implemented their own programs. For more information about other states that have started recycling monofilament, visit the Other Programs.

Are there other countries that have started the program?
Yes! Several other countries have joined in the fight against monofilament litter and marine debris. Check out their programs on the Other Programs