Do you have idle bait elastic that you want to get rid of but don’t know where to start?
A bait elastic is a rubber that you can wind around your bait to keep it intact on the hook. It ensures you return home with something.
However, many people have questioned this essential fishing accessory’s safety and environmental friendliness.
That’s what I’m going to talk about in the rest of the article.
Biodegradability of Bait Elastic
Bait elastic is biodegradable. It is made of layers of rubber that makes it feel so soft.
Since rubber is made of natural ingredients like proteins, starch,etc., it is biodegradable and starts breaking down as soon as you dump it.
I know you might be aware of stronger bait elastics, but understand that not all elastics are natural.
Some are made through chemical synthesis to imitate the natural rubber. However, natural bait elastics are the most common and are safe for both fish and human beings.
So, bait elastic may be or may not be biodegradable, depending on your choice.
For example, most heavy elastics are made from strong plastic fibers to make them withstand tides and large fish.
As an environmentally conscious person, it’s always important to choose bait elastics that help the environment – fishers return!
Can You Recycle Bait Elastic?
Like most soft rubbers, bait elastics are recyclable.
They mainly consist of 100% synthetic or natural filament, both of which are in-demand raw materials.
Moreover, bait elastics don’t contain additives or mixed materials and can therefore be repurposed into other useful materials.
They can be used in making cereal bags and rubber seals.
If they are in good condition, it’s helpful to reuse them.
Again, don’t always throw bait elastics in the trash bin unless you are certain about what they are made of.
Contact local recyclers who may have designated processes for repurposing bait elastics for synthetic elastics. Alternatively, consider giving them away to your friends.
Can You Decompose Bait Elastic?
Bait elastic easily breaks down naturally. Although it will finally decompose in your compost pile, it wouldn’t be at the normal rate of greens.
If you need to compost your bait elastics, it’s recommended that you make a separate compost for them.
When decomposing these elastics, the rule of thumb is always to check what they contain.
Most bait elastics are 100% natural and safe for composting, but there are specific types that cannot be composted. I’m talking about those made using chemical-based synthetic fibers.
Other Ways to Dispose of Bait Elastic
When your bait elastics have outlived their usefulness, and you now want to get rid of them, here is what to do:
Reuse
Reusing bait elastic doesn’t necessarily mean using it for fishing. You could alter it for use in DIY rubber molds or even mix it with other elastic rubbers, such as silicon, to make creative stuff.
The benefit of this disposal method is that it doesn’t involve the emission of greenhouse gasses. Also, it saves energy and keeps the environment clean for the future.
Contact a retailer
Visit the shop where you bought the bait elastic to see whether they accept old or used elastics. If they don’t, they could probably know someone who needs them.
Sometimes, you may have to cough up a few bucks to have your elastics taken. Check with many retailers and settle for the best deal.
Donate
I used to see donation boxes everywhere, but I never realized their importance until I started looking for a place to dump my old vinyl records.
Unlike pieces of vinyl, it’s easy to dispose of bait elastic. Most schools are always looking for cheap supplies so you may consider this option. You may also reach out to your friends and local anglers to see if they can take your bait elastic.
Incinerate
Incineration is suitable for getting rid of both natural and synthetic bait elastics.
It involves subjecting household wastes to thermal treatment, where the heat generated is used in electricity generation. Of course, combustion must be done strictly according to state laws and incineration plant requirements.
Deposit in landfills
If you fear that your bait elastic could be toxic to the environment or you don’t have the other options we have mentioned, dumping it in a landfill might be a great idea.
Landfills accommodate toxic wastes and incineration residues. However, first, check your local laws regarding landfilling – avoid trouble.
Final Thought
Bait elastic makes fishing easier for you – it allows the hook to retain even the most delicate bait. When choosing the best bait elastic, environmental friendliness is an important consideration.
Always ask for eco-friendly bail elastics, because synthetic elastics aren’t 100% safe for the environment.
When it comes to getting rid of your bait elastic, consider recycling, composting, reusing, dumping in the landfill, or any other safe disposal method.
