Boat shrink wrap recycling is now underway across Cape Cod. Through July 31, 2026, Cape Cod residents can recycle clean boat shrink wrap at participating transfer stations, thanks to a partnership between Barnstable County鈥檚 Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, WHOI Sea Grant, and five Cape Cod towns.
This Cape Cod recycling program helps keep plastic out of landfills and protects local waters. Last year alone, more than 60.5 tons of shrink wrap were recycled across the region. 鈥淓very spring, we see just how much plastic comes off boats across Cape Cod,鈥� said Kari Parcell, Municipal Assistance Coordinator with Barnstable County鈥檚 Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. 鈥淭his program gives residents an easy way to recycle that material instead of throwing it away. It鈥檚 a simple step that makes a big difference for our environment and our coastal communities.鈥�
In addition to helping residents recycle, the program is also making it easier for boatyards and marinas to manage shrink wrap year-round. 鈥淭his year we鈥檙e encouraging boatyards to work with their waste haulers to recycle boat wrap directly,鈥� said Stephanie Murphy of WHOI Sea Grant. 鈥淚n a matter of minutes, haulers can set up an account with the recycling facility we鈥檝e identified, Republic Services in Brockton. Boatyards only need a dedicated container for collecting the wrap. After that, they can recycle shrink wrap at any time of year on their own schedule.鈥�