Green Commission recommends fishing-line recycling bins at three parks

The Green Commission moved to recommend that the village board approve a pilot fishing-line recycling program placing one receptacle at Twin Lakes Park, North Terrace Park and Lufkin Park. A commissioner who researched collection options told the group the bins cost about $100 each and that the collected monofilament could be shipped to a national recycler for repurposing.

"I think we're in a pretty strong position with it," the commissioner said, summarizing the project's three elements: siting, container assembly and end-of-life recycling. The presenter noted the Berkeley Conservation Institute (in Iowa) is the largest U.S. recycler of fishing line and that shipping labels are roughly $10–$20 when the receptacles are full.

Commissioners discussed alternatives such as cutting line before landfill disposal to reduce harm to wildlife if a recycling shipment is not practical. After discussion a commissioner moved that the commission "formally recommend that the board approve the three bin fishing line program," a motion that was seconded and approved with all present voting in favor.

Village board liaison present at the meeting said she would bring the proposal to the board and did not expect the bins to be a major budget issue. "I could bring that to the board certainly," the liaison said, adding that bins could be sited near existing bait houses and that the commission's budget for the year would be reviewed.

Next steps: the recommendation will go to the village board for consideration and the commission will monitor costs and fill rates before any decision on recurring budget allocations.