RECYCLE RUN: BOAT SHRINK WRAP RECYCLING PROGRAM
Mark you calendars - Recycle Run registration opens on Jan. 15, 2026!
Shrink wrap 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. Luckily, there's an alternative!
The Michigan Recycling Coalition works with partners to recycle high and low density polyethylene film plastics (shrink wrap) from Michigan's marinas, boat shops, communities, individual boaters, and other marine stakeholders.
With over 220 tons of shrink wrap recycled, Recycle Run benefits boaters and helps maintain the beauty and cleanliness of our state.
Why Recycle Boat Shrink Wrap?
- Protects the Great Lakes by keeping them clean and waste-free.
- Looks great on a Clean Marina application or recertification.
- Fuels the circular economy! Recycled plastics are used to create new products here in North America.
- For every bag recycled, we save:
- 115 kWh of energy
- 13.5 gallons of oil
- 16-20 cubic feet of landfill space
Join dozens of 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.
RECYCLING YOUR BOAT SHRINK WRAP
FOR BUSINESSES & COMMUNITIES
- Buy EZ-Fill Recycle Run bags from Dr. Shrink. The purchase of bags covers the cost for pick-up, haul-away, and recycling of the material. Each bag can fit 800 sq. ft. of plastic, a.k.a the wrap from one 32 foot boat or 1 - 3 smaller boat wraps.
- Fill out this form to register for the 2026 program.
- Once you receive your bags, read through the recycling instructions. See this video for more details.
- Make sure you remove all zippers, buckles, and vents before packing your bag(s), or your material could be rendered unrecyclable.
- If you order and fill at least 15 bags, we'll pick them up for no additional cost! If eligible, we'll reach out to you with a pick-up date after registration closes in June.
- Locations in the Upper Peninsula must fill at least 70 bags to meet the pick-up threshold.
Contact the Program Coordinator at jplant@michiganrecycles.org or 810-692-1095 with any questions, comments, or concerns.
For Individual Boaters
- For boaters with less than five boat covers, call Dr. Shrink directly at (800) 968-5147 to get reduced shipping costs.
- Fill out this form to register for the 2026 program. For the third question, select "Less than 15 bags."
- Once you receive your bags, read through the recycling instructions. See this video for more details.
- Make sure you remove all zippers, buckles, and vents before packing your bag(s), or your material could be rendered unrecyclable.
- Find a local drop-off center to recycle your bags, which will be listed in the next section starting in either March or April.
- Note that each drop-off location is different. Check for hours and any important information using the list below.
- Make sure to drop your bags off before June 1st, as locations will begin to be removed from the list after this date.
If you're looking to work with professionals that will unwrap your boat and recycle the shrink wrap for you, click here for a list of Michigan businesses participating in Recycle Run.
Contact the Program Coordinator at jplant@michiganrecycles.org or 810-692-1095 with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Questions, comments, or concerns?
If you plan to order and fill less than 15 Recycle Run bags, you must take them to a public drop-off site to be recycled.
A list of sites will be available in March or April, and will be continually updated until registration closes on June 1st.
If you lead a business or community and would like to volunteer your site as a local drop-off for individual boaters, please contact jplant@michiganrecycles.org.
How to Prepare Boat Shrink Wrap for Recycling:
STEP ONE:
Cut the shrink wrap just above the perimeter band, going around the entire boat.
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.
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.
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.
PARTNERS
CONTACT: Jillian Plant ┃Michigan Recycling Coalition ┃P: 517-974-3672 ┃E: jplant@michiganrecycles.org