Shrinkwrap Recycling

MTAM’s Shrinkwrap Recycling Program

Each spring, MTAM helps Maryland’s recreational boating industry recycle the shrinkwrap removed from boats as they are commissioned for the season.

The program is offered in partnership with Maryland DNR’s Clean Marina Program, Chesapeake Materials, and local partners throughout the state. Together, we provide a practical and responsible solution for disposing of used boat shrinkwrap — keeping plastic out of landfills and waterways while supporting the continued use of shrinkwrapping as an important service offered by marine businesses.

MTAM is pleased to make the recycling program available to any marine facility that wishes to participate. Because the program requires a significant investment of time, coordination, transportation, and administrative resources by the Association, participation is provided as a benefit of MTAM membership. Any marina, boat dealership, broker, marine service company, or related industry business interested in joining the effort is welcome and eligible to become a member.

How the Program Works

•Participating businesses purchase shrinkwrap recycling bags from MTAM for use by their customers and facilities. Individual boaters living in Queen Anne’s County may also participate.

•Each bag costs $15 and holds up to 40 pounds of clean shrinkwrap. The cost of the bag includes pickup, transportation, and recycling of the filled bags during MTAM’s scheduled collection period. These fees cover the hard costs required to make the program possible.

•To be accepted for recycling, shrinkwrap must be kept clean and free of contaminants. All straps, zippers, doors, vents, and other non-shrinkwrap materials must be removed before the wrap is placed in the recycling bag. This step is critical — contaminated wrap cannot be accepted by recyclers.

•All wrap must be bagged for pickup so our crew can lift them into trucks and containers during collection. Dates for pickup will be sent to all businesses and individuals who purchase bags for that year’s program. If you purchased bags in a previous year but did not have them picked up by MTAM, please contact the office to schedule collection. We can only pick up bags during the annual collection period.

•Shrinkwrap sold as “biodegradable” cannot be recycled in the State, per the Maryland Department of the Environment.

•As a general guide, MTAM has tested the bags and found that shrinkwrap from a 35-foot powerboat can fit into one bag when properly condensed. Participants may be able to fit more by compressing the material, but each bag must remain at or below the 40-pound maximum.