TerraCycle specializes in hard-to-recycle products. (Jim Pfaff photo)
November 11, 2022
By Fly Fisherman Staff
Airflo, owned by Mayfly Outdoors in Montrose Colorado, has partnered with New Jersey-based TerraCycle to offer fly line recycling to the public nationwide. Starting in early 2023, consumers can drop off any brand of plastic based fly lines, monofilament fishing lines, and plastic spools at any Airflo retailer for free recycling. Airflo lines are made from inert polyurethane, but the recycling offer extends to any type of fly line including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fly lines made by competitors. The free recycling program is available to individuals, schools, offices, and community organizations.
“Airflo and Mayfly Outdoors are committed to providing the best fly lines, leaders and tippet while protecting our natural environment through more sustainable solutions and reducing waste,” said Jeff Wagner, president of Mayfly Outdoors and Airflo fly lines. “This presents one of our top priorities and commitments to our dedicated customers that share in this passion. Working together with fly shops and customers we can reduce our footprint and impact.”
According to the World Wildlife Fund, between 500,000 to 1 million tons of fishing gear are discarded or lost in the ocean yearly. Discarded nets, lines, and ropes make up about 46% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Fly lines in particular have not been previously been recyclable. TerraCycle specializes in hard-to-recycle products.
Mayfly Outdoors CEO Jeff Wagner accepting a Colorado Trout Unlimited Exemplary Industry Partner Award at the October 22 CTU Fall Rendezvous. (Photo courtesy Mayfly Outdoors) “At TerraCycle, our goal is to ‘eliminate the idea of waste’ on and off the land,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle (terracycle.com ). “Through our partnership with Airflo, we are providing consumers a free and easy way to responsibly recycle their waste and enjoy a favorite pastime.”
Airflo (airflousa.com ) manufactures lines in the UK and sells them in more than 20 countries. It’s owned by certified B Corp Mayfly Outdoors (mayflyoutdoors.com ), the parent company of Abel and Ross reels. Their state goal is “to improve the lives of our employees, while producing the best fly-fishing lines that have the least amount of impact to our natural world.”
