New Program at Waste Management: Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling

Fishers Island Waste Management has several unique challenges. One of those is the disposal of boat wrap from all the boats that have been stored all winter on the island. Every fall, many boat owners protect the hulls and topsides of their boats with polymer plastic shrink wrap when the vessel is hauled out for winter storage. The shrink wrap creates a form-fitting, water-resistant cover that protects the boat against snow, ice and rain.

The following year, in late spring or early summer, the cover is cut away, and the boat is re-launched so its owners can enjoy it during boating season. Then, come fall, the cycle begins again. But what happens to all that plastic shrink wrap after it is removed from the boat? In the past FIWMD simply added the wrap to our bulky waste and hauled it off the island.

Now we are able to have this wrap recycled by working with our hauler on the mainland to divert the wrap to a recycling facility. Boat shrink wrap, made from #4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is commonly recycled into plastic lumber, composite decking, guardrail blocks, and new plastic film products like trash bags.

FIWMD is happy to see this waste become a resource. FIWMD has reached out to Hay Harbor, Yacht Club, and Pirate’s Cove to make them aware of this great new initiative and boat wrap has been arriving at the Compost Station!

See attendant @ the Compost Station for drop off.