06/02/2026
Fishing Line and Gear Don’t Have to Go in the Trash:
Airflo and TerraCycle Offer a Free Recycling Program for
Line and Related Materials
Participating locations collect and recycle fly lines, leaders, tippet, and spools from any brand
TRENTON, N.J., [June 1, 2026] –– Every angler has old gear that doesn’t make it back on the reel. A fly line that’s cracked or lost its performance. Leaders clipped back over time. Tippet used down to the last workable inch. Spools that build up season after season.
It’s part of the sport. What’s less obvious is what to do with it once it’s done. Studies show that enough fishing line is lost each year to circle the Earth 18 times, underscoring how much used line and related gear end up as waste.
Airflo®, in partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle®, offers a recycling option for these items through the Airflo Zero Waste Fly Line Recycling Program. Available at participating locations across the United States, the program gives anglers a straightforward way to collect and recycle used fly lines, leaders, tippet, conventional fishing line, and plastic spools from any brand.
“Used fishing line and related materials don’t typically get recycled, not because it’s impossible,
but because there hasn’t been a practical way to collect and recycle the materials,” said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “They get set aside, build up over time, and eventually get thrown away because there’s no clear next step. The Airflo Zero Waste Fly Line Recycling Program changes that by putting a defined option in place, so those materials can be collected, recycled, and kept out of landfills and incinerators.”
Fishing gear is built to perform in demanding conditions, using durable materials designed to last on the water. That same durability makes it difficult to process through traditional curbside recycling services, where flexible plastics and mixed materials are rarely accepted. Through the Airflo Zero Waste Fly Line Recycling Program, used line and gear can be dropped off at participating locations and sent to TerraCycle for recycling. Once received, the collected materials are recycled into raw materials that manufacturers use to make new products, keeping them out of landfills and incinerators.
“We’ve spent decades focusing on the materials behind our lines, not just because of how they perform, but because those choices have consequences beyond the cast,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO of Mayfly Outdoors (Airflo Parent Company). “Working with TerraCycle on this recycling program gives us a way to carry that thinking through to the end of use and give anglers a better option for the gear they’re done fishing.”
For a simple way to recycle used fishing line and gear, visit the Airflo Zero Waste Fly Line Recycling Program page for participating retailer locations. For more information on this or any of TerraCycle’s recycling programs, visit terracycle.com.
About Airflo
Airflo Fishing Products is built on a foundation of innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. One of the defining elements of the company is its dedication to technological advancement, particularly in the development of fly lines. Airflo was the first to introduce polyurethane coatings in place of traditional PVC, resulting in products that are more durable, eco-friendlier, and better suited to extreme conditions. This commitment to innovation keeps Airflo at the forefront of fly fishing gear design.
High performance and precision engineering are central to everything Airflo produces. The company’s fly lines and accessories are tailored to specific fishing environments, offering features like enhanced casting distance, line control, and sensitivity. By collaborating with expert anglers and industry professionals, Airflo ensures that its products meet the highest standards and are refined through real-world testing.
Another key focus for Airflo is its environmental consciousness. With a growing number of anglers prioritizing sustainability, Airflo’s choice to avoid PVC and its efforts to reduce environmental impact resonate deeply. These decisions reflect a broader commitment to preserving the ecosystems and waterways that fly fishing depends on.
At the heart of Airflo’s success is a strong connection to the fishing community and a focus on problem-solving design. The company actively listens to the feedback of anglers and develops solutions that address challenges encountered on the water. This practical, user-first approach ensures that each product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who rely on it every day. To learn more visit Airflo Fishing Products.
About TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 18 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and households, across a wide range of accessible programs and has raised millions for schools and nonprofits since its founding more than 20 years ago. To learn more about TerraCycle and join them on their journey to move the world from a linear economy to a circular one, please visit www.terracycle.com.
