MICHIGAN MARINE
FILM PLASTIC RECYCLING PROGRAM

Michigan Recycling Coalition partners with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to recycle high and low density polyethylene film plastics (shrink films) from Michigan's marinas.

Shrink film is often used to insulate and protect boats for winter storage. As a Great Lakes state, Michigan has one of the most prosperous boating industries, with hundreds of marinas along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Huge quantities of waste film are being produced in Michigan every day.

Film plastics are not biodegradable and contribute significant mass to our landfills. With over 170 tons of shrink wrap already recycled, this program benefits boaters and helps maintain the beauty and cleanliness of our state!

Marine/Boat Wrap Film Recycling

For over ten years, Recycle Run has served as the official collection program for boat shrink wrap in Michigan. In 2023, we collected 87,000 pounds of film, which equals about 43 tons of plastic diverted from Michigan landfills!

Join the over 50 marinas, boat dealers, and individuals across the state in reducing your waste and keeping our harbors clean! Read this entire page to learn how to participate in Recycle Run.

Registration for the 2024 Recycle Run closed on June 1st. Please call Jillian at 810-692-0195 with any questions, or email her at jplant@michiganrecycles.org.

Purchase Recycle Run Bags

Subscribe for Program Updates

Download the Program Flyer

Two participants post in front of a pontoon boat with a Dr. Shrink receptacle bag stuffed with a blue shrink-wrap boat cover

A stack of bags stuffed with shrink-wrap boat covers

pontoon boats lined up in a row all covered overtop with blue boat shrink-wrap covers.

Why Recycle Boat Covers?

Protects the Great Lakes by keeping them clean and waste-free.
Looks great on a Clean Marina application or recertification.
Fuels the circular economy in Michigan! Recycled plastics are used to create new products here in the U.S.
For every bag recycled, we save:
- 115 kWh of energy
- 13.5 gallons of oil
- 16-20 cubic feet of landfill space

How Do I Participate?

For Direct Pick-Up of your boat covers, you must meet a 15-bag minimum. Locations in the UP must meet a 70-bag minimum.

Buy your EZ-Fill Recycle Run bags at the Dr. Shrink website. This one-time fee covers the cost of transportation and recycling.
Click the "Register for the 2024 Program" button and fill out the form.
Each bag comes with a zip tie to seal the bag, along with instructions on how to remove your boat covers. Make sure you remove all zippers, buckles, and vents before packing your bag.
- Bags are industrial size and can hold covers from up to a 32’ boat (1 large cover or 1-3 small covers).

Program Coordinators will reach out to schedule a pick-up with your business from June to August.

Recycling For Individual Boaters

For boaters with less than five boat covers, call Dr. Shrink directly at (800) 968-5147 to get reduced shipping costs.
Locate your nearest participating drop-off location by using the list below or the map linked above.
Prepare your bag by removing all strapping, buckles, vents, and zippers before placing it in the bag.
Bring your bag to the drop-off location for recycling.
- Note that each drop-off location is different. Check for hours and any important information using the list below.
- Once a location has had their bags picked up, they will be removed from the drop-off list.

As of June 1st, drop-offs for the 2024 Recycle Run have concluded. If you signed up for the program and ordered bag(s) but have yet to drop off your shrink wrap, please email jplant@michiganrecycles or call 810-692-0193.

When emailing or leaving a message, please your zip code, as we may be able to find a location that is still accepting drop-offs.

How to Prepare Boat Shrink Wrap for Recycling:

a and holding a tool with a sharp knife end for precision cutting, the sharp end is partially through a cut at the perimeter of a shrink wrap cover on a boat

STEP ONE:
Cut the shrink wrap just above the perimeter band, going around the entire boat.

An individual standing in the front end of a stored boat with a bulky cover in their hands

STEP TWO:
After removing all vents, zipper doors, strapping, and buckles, begin removing your shrink wrap cover. Try to keep the shrink wrap as clean as possible.

AN individual stuffing a white boat shrink-wrap cover in a Dr. Shrink receptacle bag

STEP THREE:
Stuff your EZ-Fill Bag with your boat wrap. If storing outside, turn sealed bag upside down until pickup and do not overstuff bags - make sure to use supplied closure device to seal the bag.

Watch Boat Wrap Tutorial Video

PLEASE NOTE:

The bags must ONLY contain shrink-wrap covers.
Make sure to exclude all strapping, buckles, vents, and other contaminants from the bag.
Shrink wrap must remain clean and dry.
Pickups will be conducted June - August.

RECYCLE SHRINK WRAP IN YOUR CITY

Are you a community leader in an area with lots of boaters? Do you strive to keep your local waters and marinas clean? Offer shrink wrap recycling through the Recycle Run program! Click here to learn more.