Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling

Bundle of used fishing line.

Every year, miles of discarded monofilament fishing line harms wildlife, damages boat motors, and pollutes our waterways, and HEART is trying to help change that.

The HEART Water Resources subcommittee has installed several monofilament fishing line recycling stations for anglers across the county.

Two men posing next to a fishing line recycling station.
Fishing line recycling flyer.

Used monofilament can be easily placed in these bins to keep this material out of the environment. HEART periodically collects the fishing line and delivers it to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for recycling.

Man placing used fishing line into recycling staton.
Close up of hand placing used fishing line into recycling station.

Installing fishing line recycling stations near county waterways offers several key environmental and community benefits. Using these stations can help prevent discarded fishing line from polluting rivers, lakes, and streams, where it can entangle and harm wildlife such as birds, fish, and turtles.

Proper disposal reduces the risk of boating hazards and keeps our natural areas cleaner and safer for recreational use.

Two information signs in front of a lake.
A mallard duck swimming in a pond close up.

Additionally, recycling fishing line supports sustainability by turning waste into new products, promoting responsible angling, and raising public awareness about the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Plans for additional recycling stations are underway. This program continues HEART’S effort to be good stewards of the environment and to inspire the community to join the campaign as well.