Boating enthusiasts and anglers are often faced with the question: Can old fishing lines be burned? This question may arise because of the growing concern for the environment, as dumping old fishing lines in the trash or in waterways can create a significant problem for both land and marine life. In this article, we will explore whether old fishing lines can indeed be burned, and the appropriate ways of disposing of them.
Any angler worth his salt will tell you that fishing lines come in different materials, such as monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon. Each material can last several months or many years and an angler who fishes regularly will often replace the line on their reels to ensure that they have the right strength and flexibility. Regardless of the type of line chosen, they do eventually become unusable and must be disposed of properly.
Burnability of Fishing Lines
The answer to the question of whether old fishing lines can be burned is both yes and no, depending on the type of fishing line material. Monofilament lines, which is the most common type of fishing line, are made from nylon and are highly flammable. Burning this type of line in a controlled environment, under constant supervision, can be a proper way of disposal if done responsibly. This technique helps keep the environment clean while also minimizing dangers of entangling wildlife in the discarded line.
Braided fishing lines, on the other hand, are composed of materials such as Spectra or Dyneema and are not burnable, and it’s not recommended that they should be burned. These materials are highly resistant to heat, so even burning them outside of a controlled environment can have disastrous consequences and can create toxic smoke.
Fluorocarbon lines also have a non-flammable composition, and burning them should be avoided. These lines are made with synthetic fibers that do not melt away easily.
Safe Disposal of Fishing Lines
When it comes to properly getting rid of old fishing lines, the most responsible thing to do is to check with local authorities on their recommended disposal method. Various recycling options exist, and some recycling centers can take in old fishing lines. If this isn’t possible, however, cutting the line into small pieces (6 to 12 inches) and placing them in a trash receptacle is an adequate solution.
It’s worth noting that along with fishing lines, anglers should dispose of all other waste from their boats and equipment properly. Anglers should not dump plastic waste or cigarette butts in the water, as they can be extremely hazardous to marine life.
To sum it up, old fishing lines can be burned if they’re monofilament in a controlled environment, and the lines make certain that they are free from anything that can ignite them. Otherwise, it’s not recommended, and anglers should opt for proper disposal methods like recycling. Whether we’re on the water or on land, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of our environment, leaving it cleaner for future generations. Disposing of old fishing lines is just one way we can do this.