The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), has got a terrific program to help fishermen dispose of old, derelict fishing gear AND provide energy in the process!
Their Fishing for Energy program provides fishermen a free place where they can dump their old gear, netting, traps, etc. The gear is then transported to the nearest Covanta Energy-from-Waste facility. Approximately one ton of derelict nets equal enough electricity to power one home for 25 days.
As you may know, lost and unused fishing gear and netting that floats around in the the ocean is a major hazard hugely impacting the marine environment. Not only does this stuff never go away, (it’s meant to last in harsh ocean conditions), but it continues to catch and kill fish and other marine life along with posing a navigational hazard!
