Ohio Clean Marinas and DNR Announce Shrink Wrap Recycling Locations

As boating season approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with the Ohio Clean Marinas Program and local recycling partners, is reminding boaters to plan to recycle boat shrink wrap this spring instead of sending it to the landfill.

Each year, thousands of pounds of boat shrink wrap are removed from vessels across Ohio. A single boat’s shrink wrap cover can contain as much plastic as 2,000 grocery bags. When disposed of improperly, this material can break down into microplastics that persist in landfills and may eventually enter Ohio’s waterways.

Most drop off locations are by appointment. Marinas should call prior to dropping off. Recycling options are added and removed throughout the year. Click here for most updated drop-off list.

Last year, the Ohio Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program recycled 60,000 pounds of plastic, contributing to more than 2.6 million pounds collected over the program’s 20-year history. Recycling shrink wrap helps conserve landfill space, reduce plastic pollution in waterways and support recycling-related jobs in Ohio.

For more information about the Ohio Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program, including recycling tips and participating locations, visit the Ohio Clean Marinas Program. Questions may also be directed to Ohio Clean Marinas Program Manager Sarah Orlando at ohiocleanmarinas@osu.edu.