The Environmental Impacts of Dive Hoses and Gauges — and Why Recycling Matters

When most divers think about their environmental footprint, they picture plastics in the ocean, sunscreen chemicals, or fuel from boats. Yet one often overlooked contributor comes from within our very own gear bags: dive hoses and gauges. These essential pieces of scuba equipment keep us safe underwater, but when their lifespan ends, many end up as non-biodegradable waste. Let’s explore their impacts, and how recycling can make a real difference.

The Hidden Environmental Cost of Dive Hoses and Gauges

1. Material Composition

• Hoses are typically made from layers of synthetic rubber (such as EPDM or polyurethane) reinforced with braided nylon or steel.

• Gauges include stainless steel, brass, tempered glass, and sometimes plastic housings.

While durable, these mixed materials mean hoses and gauges don’t break down naturally. A hose tossed into general trash could take centuries to decompose, releasing microplastics and chemical residues into the soil or sea.

2. Manufacturing Footprint

Producing hoses and gauges consumes resources — from petroleum-based rubber to mined metals. Each stage (extraction, refining, assembly, and global shipping) contributes to carbon emissions. While a single item seems small, multiply it by thousands of divers worldwide replacing hoses every 3–5 years, and the impact grows significantly.

3. End-of-Life Disposal Issues

Unfortunately, most dive shops and divers discard worn-out hoses and gauges in the bin. Unlike aluminum cans or plastic bottles, these items are rarely sorted for recycling. This means:

• Non-biodegradable hoses pile up in landfills.

• Valuable metals in gauges (like brass and stainless steel) go to waste instead of being reused.

• Accidental dumping near marine areas can directly pollute fragile ecosystems.

Why Recycling Dive Gear Makes Sense

1. Resource Recovery

• Metals from gauges can be melted down and repurposed into new tools, electronics, or even future dive gear.

• Rubber and plastics can be shredded for use in industrial flooring, road surfacing, or upcycled into accessories like fin straps or keychains.

  
  

2. Reducing Landfill Waste

Recycling keeps bulkier gear items out of landfills. Just imagine if every diver recycled a single regulator hose — multiplied across millions of divers, that’s a significant waste stream diverted.

3. Energy Savings

It takes far less energy to recycle brass, steel, and plastics than it does to extract new raw materials. By recycling old gauges, we’re directly cutting down on the energy footprint of future production.

4. Innovation in Diving Sustainability

Some eco-conscious dive companies are already exploring programs to collect old hoses, wetsuits, and fins for recycling. By supporting these initiatives, divers send a strong market signal: sustainability matters in our sport.

What Divers Can Do

1. Ask your local dive shop if they have a recycling program for old hoses, gauges, or even wetsuits.

2. Separate components — metal gauge casings can often be recycled through standard metal recovery channels, while rubber hoses may need specialty recycling.

3. Repurpose creatively — old hoses can be used in DIY projects.

4. Support sustainable brands that prioritize recyclable materials and eco-friendly packaging.

   
   

Conclusion: Small Gear, Big Impact

Our hoses and gauges may seem like minor pieces of equipment, but their environmental footprint is real. By making mindful choices — from recycling to repurposing — we can reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and inspire the dive industry to adopt greener practices. After all, as divers, our mission is clear: to enjoy and protect the ocean we love.

At Cuddlefish Divers, we believe sustainability should be part of every dive. Drop by our shop to learn more about recycling dive gear, or explore our eco-conscious dive trips and gear recommendations. Together, let’s protect the ocean — one hose and gauge at a time.