RETIRED Fire Hose WASTE
Reduction Program

Keeping fire hose out of landfills by connecting it with organizations that give it new purpose.

The Story

Your operation could use this:

Every fire department in America retires thousands of feet of hose each year. That hose is tough, durable, and built to withstand extreme conditions—which makes it perfect for a second life far from the fireground.

Sanctuaries use it to build hammocks and enrichment structures for rescued chimps. DNR agencies turn it into trail barriers and erosion control. Marine facilities create mega-movers for dolphins and other aquatic animals. Farms wrap it around equipment. Industrial operations find dozens of uses for material that refuses to quit.

Through the Retired Fire Hose Waste Reduction Program, we connect organizations like yours with retired hose that's been cleaned, sorted, and ready for its next mission.

You get durable material at no cost (just cover shipping). Fire departments get responsible disposal. And thousands of pounds of hose stay out of landfills.

Everyone wins.

❋ Who Can Apply: Zoos, sanctuaries, DNR agencies, recycling companies, farms, marine facilities, industrial operation

❋ Location: Shipping nationwide

❋ Project Type: Hose Redistribution Partnership

❋ Hose Available: Attack line, supply line, wildland hose (various diameters)

❋ Cost: Free hose / recipient covers shipping

❋ Status: Accepting partnership applications year-round

HOW ORGANIZATIONS
USE RETIRED HOSE

Animal Sanctuaries & Zoos Hammocks, climbing structures, and enrichment cubes that help primates rebuild dexterity and natural instincts after years in medical research. Durable enough to withstand daily use by curious, powerful animals.
Marine Facilities Mega-movers for dolphins, sea lions, and other aquatic animals. Soft enough for safe handling, strong enough for repeated use.
DNR & Parks Departments Trail barriers, erosion control, bike path edging, and boundary markers. Weather-resistant and built to last in outdoor conditions.
Farms & Agricultural Operations Equipment wrapping, hose protection, tie-downs, and general-purpose industrial use. The same durability that fought fires now protects your gear.
Recycling & Repurposing Companies Raw material for creative reuse—from furniture to fashion to industrial applications. Fire hose is a premium upcycling material.

Apply to receive

what we can provide:

Cleaned, sorted hose ready for immediate use
Various diameters available: 1" wildland, 1-3/4" and 2-1/2" attack line, 3"+ supply line
Documentation of hose origin and service history (when available)
Ongoing supply as departments continue retiring hose
Partnership recognition on our website and materials (optional)
Available:
✓ Wildland hose (1" forestry line)
✓ Attack line (1-3/4" and 2-1/2")
✓ Supply line (3" and larger)
✓ Hose with wear, scuffs, or patches (character, not defects)
✓ Bulk quantities for larger operations
We cannot provide: Hose with hazardous material contamination or significant mold/mildew

The hose is free. You cover shipping. That's it.

the ripple effect

When you partner with the Retired Fire Hose Waste Reduction Program, you're doing more than getting free material. You're helping us prove that retired hose has value beyond the fireground.

Every pound of hose you repurpose strengthens our case to fire departments nationwide: don't throw it away—donate it. Your partnership helps us expand the program, reach more departments, and keep more hose out of landfills.

You're not just a recipient. You're part of the mission.