Identify & Dispose Lead

How to Identify Lead Tackle

Does it feel heavier than it looks?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Lead is very dense, so tackle made from lead is heavier than alternatives like tin or steel. If the tackle feels unusually heavy for its size, it might be made from lead.

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

While non-lead alternatives like tungsten are hard metals, lead is a soft metal that is easily dented by a fingernail or pliers.

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Lead will leave a mark when scratched on paper. If there is paint, scratch a bit of it off - lead will still be able to leave a gray mark.

Is it Dull?

Use a Lead Test Kit

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Lead is dull and dark gray in colour. Lead alternatives like steel and tungsten tend to have a shiny appearance.

Is it Magnetic?

Use a Lead Test Kit

Lead is not magnetic, but non-lead alternatives, like steel, are. However, this test is not foolproof, as other metals (like tungsten) aren’t magnetic either.

Use a Lead Test Kit

Lead test kits can be purchased at hardware stores and can detect lead on fishing tackle. These kits use a special solution or swab that changes color when it comes into contact with lead. They are commonly used to test painted surfaces or other objects, but can also work on tackle.

Jigs

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Weights & Sinkers

The heads of jigs are often made of lead, even if you might not realize it from their painted or plastic bodies. But even with coatings, the lead on jigs will still leech into the water once discarded and worn down!

Weights & Sinkers

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Weights & Sinkers

No matter the shape, sinkers and weights of all kinds are almost always made of lead and thus are almost always toxic! Because they are rarely coated, weights are especially dangerous for getting lead on your skin.

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Don't let the small size fool you - small sinkers are actually one of the most dangerous tackle for wildlife because their small size makes them invisible to loons, fish and other animals that ingest "pebbles."

Weighted Hooks

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

The lead weights attached to on worm hooks are hazardous to wildlife, especially since they are easily hooked onto the mouths of fish and birds when lost or discarded.

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

The bodies of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are, in fact, often made of lead! And even with paint to make it flashy, lead will still leech into the water once lost.

Trolling Weights

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Weights used in trolling, such as downrigger balls, are often made of lead. While their large size may stop them from being eaten, they still leech harmful lead into the water!

What Do I Do With My Unwanted Lead?

"Turn In Your Lead" Contest

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Many Lake Associations host campaigns encouraging the public to turn in their lead tackle or other lead objects for a chance to win a prize. Check your local lake association website to find one near you.

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Do not throw lead into household waste. It is toxic and will contaminate whatever it sits in or is near. Instead, take it to a toxic waste station or an authorized recycling business.

Alternative Collection Sites

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Alternative Collection Sites

You can bring it to a participating retailer or community organization who will collect it for your local Lake Association. They in turn will dispose of it safely and ensure it does not go back into the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use coated or painted lead tackle?

No! Coatings and paint on lead tackle do not protect wildlife from lead poisoning and are not safe for the environment.

Even when lead is painted or surrounded by plastic, it is dangerous because the powerful grinding action of an animal's gizzard and high acidity in its stomach quickly break down paints, plastics, and even some metals, exposing the toxic lead. Some paints and coatings found on tackle manufactured overseas also still contain lead, meaning many are still toxic.

As well, even if the tackle is not ingested, paint and other coatings will eventually erode when left to the elements, so it does not stop the lead or coatings from polluting the water, either.

Is it safe to handle lead with bare hands?

Handling lead fishing tackle with bare hands is not safe due to the toxic nature of lead. Even small amounts of lead exposure can accumulate in your body over time and cause serious health issues, particularly if you do not wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

If you must handle lead tackle, it's important to take precautions:

Wear gloves: Using gloves while handling lead tackle reduces the risk of skin contact.
Wash your hands thoroughly: After handling lead, wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
Avoid eating or drinking while fishing: This minimizes the risk of accidental ingestion of lead.
Separate your lead: Keep lead tackle in a separate container to avoid mixing it with other tackle and accidental exposure by others. Then turn in your lead to a toxic waste site or your Lake Association for safe disposal.

Identify & Dispose of Lead

How to Identify Lead Tackle

Does it feel heavier than it looks?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Can you dent it with your fingernail or with pliers?

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Is it Dull?

Use a Lead Test Kit

Can you make a mark on paper with it?

Is it Magnetic?

Use a Lead Test Kit

Use a Lead Test Kit

Use a Lead Test Kit

Use a Lead Test Kit

Use a Lead Test Kit

Common Lead Tackle

Jigs

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Weights & Sinkers

Weights & Sinkers

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Weights & Sinkers

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Weighted Hooks

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Split-Shot/Pinch-on Sinkers

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Trolling Weights

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits

What Do I Do With My Unwanted Lead?

"Turn In Your Lead" Contest

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Alternative Collection Sites

Toxic Waste Site or Recycling Centre

Alternative Collection Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

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