Anglers in Tyler now have an easy way to get rid of old fishing line. Recycling bins for discarded line are now set up at three city recreation spots, and the goal is to keep that line out of the water and away from wildlife.
Where to Find the Bins
You can find the new fishing line recycling bins at:
- Bellwood Lake
- Faulkner Recreation Pond
- Glass Recreation Pond
How It Started
Casey Turner, coordinator with Keep Tyler Beautiful, said the idea came from the Tyler Audubon Society, the group that adopted Bellwood Lake through the city’s adopt-a-spot program.
The group took on the park about a year ago. At its very first cleanup, members noticed fishing line left lying around, and that’s what started the project. The group then teamed up with the BoatUS Foundation to bring the bins to Tyler.
Why Fishing Line Is Such a Problem
Fishing line left in the water or along the shore is a danger to animals. Turtles and birds can get tangled in it or swallow it.
According to the BoatUS Foundation, more than 100,000 animals die every year after swallowing or getting caught in discarded fishing gear. The foundation also says fishing line can stay in the water for more than 600 years.
Turner said the hope is that giving people a dedicated spot for old line will encourage them to throw it away properly instead of leaving it behind.
How to Use the Bins
East Texas Bass Association President Tyler Smith offered a simple tip: wind your old line into a tight bundle before dropping it into the tube. That way, more line fits in each bin.
Smith has fished lakes all over East Texas with his club, and he said he has never seen bins like these before.
Easier for Anglers
Before the bins, Smith said, anglers had to bag up their used line and then track down a place to recycle it. Now they can drop it off as soon as they’re done fishing.
“I think it’s great,” Smith said.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to the Tyler Audubon Society, Keep Tyler Beautiful and the BoatUS Foundation, anglers at Bellwood Lake and the Faulkner and Glass recreation ponds now have a quick, easy way to recycle old fishing line. It’s a small change that could save a lot of turtles and birds.