Tackling a danger to wildlife
The Reel it in campaign was launched in 2013 to help reduce the impact of discarded fishing line and tackle on dolphins, water birds and other animals in the Swan Canning Riverpark. Made of 100 per cent recycled plastic, the bins provide a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted fishing line and tackle. Since the project’s inception, over 250kms of fishing line has been collected in the bins and safely disposed of.
In 2026, there are now 76 dedicated fishing line bins at popular jetties, fishing platforms, traffic bridges and foreshores across the Swan Canning Riverpark that collect and remove over 29kms of fishing line, 4700 hooks and sinkers, 2300 bait bags and over 12,000 pieces of general rubbish each year. The project is delivered in partnership with 12 local government authorities and supported by WA Seabird Rescue, Clean Marine- Keep Australia Beautiful , Recfishwest and the Wildcare Helpline program.
Reel it in is now actively expanding to tackle fishing waste at popular coastal fishing locations too. There are now 116 Reel it in bins installed in across the state from Broome down to Albany and of course, on Rottnest Island too.
If you are keen to participate, check out our bin locations and contact us with your preferred fishing line bin location at community@dbca.wa.gov.au.
Recycle your old fishing gear!
The Rig Recycle program is an Australian-first initiative that collects selected recreational fishing and packaging items and diverts them from landfill through an innovative repair, reuse, and recycling framework. This pioneering project brings together recreational fishers, clean-up volunteers, fishing retailers and suppliers, social enterprises, and community partners to find holistic, truly circular solutions that address the current recycling gap.
By changing consumer and retailer recycling behaviours, the Rig Recycle program aims to prevent fishing gear and packaging from becoming litter or ending up in landfill, protecting our environment and supporting a more sustainable future.
Originally rolled out in Victoria, the program is now run across Australia, and we’re pleased to advise that WA is now involved. The locations in WA where people can take their used fishing gear to are:
- Fremantle Sailing Club – Bosun Shed (151 Marine Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162)
- Bluewater Mandurah (61 Gordon Rd, Greenfields WA 6210)
- Tackle World Miami (8/651 Old Coast Rd, Falcon WA 6210)
- Geographe Fishing & Outdoors (1/3/5 Bussell Hwy, Busselton WA 6280)
For more information on this fantastic initiative visit Tangaroa Blue’s website here.
