Lebanon OH
2-27-2026 10:03pm

ODNR and Ohio Clean Marinas Encourage Boaters to Recycle Shrink Wrap This Spring

Story courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --As boating season approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with the Ohio Clean Marinas Program and local recycling partners, is reminding boaters to make a plan to recycle boat shrink wrap this spring instead of sending it to the landfill.

Each year, thousands of pounds of boat shrink wrap are removed from vessels across Ohio. A single boat’s shrink wrap cover can contain as much plastic as 2,000 grocery bags. When disposed of improperly, this material can break down into microplastics that persist in landfills and may eventually enter Ohio’s waterways. 

Through the Ohio Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program, boaters have a convenient and responsible way to recycle this plastic at designated locations across the state.

How to recycle boat shrink wrap:

  • Before removing the wrap, walk around the boat and cut away all nylon strapping using a small knife or scissors.
  • Remove the shrink wrap and take out all wood, foam, vents, doors, and any other non-shrink-wrap materials.
  • Roll the clean plastic into a tight bundle and drop it off at one of the participating recycling locations listed below.

 Participating drop-off locations:

Most locations are by appointment. Please call prior to dropping off. Recycling options are added and removed throughout the year. Click here for most updated drop-off list. 

  • Elyria: Lorain County Collection Center 540 South Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035. Call (440) 329-5440.

  • Cleveland: Drop-off is at a private residence. Call Jeanette with Mindful Mariners at (216) 316-0728.

  • Mansfield: Charles Mill Marina, 1277 OH-430, Mansfield, OH 44903. Call (419) 368-5951.

  • Norwalk: Firelands Local, 306 S. Norwalk Rd. West, Suite B, Norwalk, OH 44857. Call (419) 706-4945.

  • Toledo: Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, 1011 Matzinger Rd., Toledo, OH 43612. Call (419) 213-2255.

  • Wapakoneta: Auglaize County Solid Waste District, 15502 St. Marys River Road, St. Marys, OH 45885. Call (419) 394-1270.

  • Bellefontaine: Logan County Solid Waste District, 1100 S. Detroit St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Call (937) 599-1253.

  • Cincinnati: Four Seasons Marina, 4853 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226. Collection available April 15 through May 22. Trailer located in the upper parking lot.

  • Athens: UpCycle Ohio, 751 West Union Street, Athens, OH 45701. Call (740) 484-8303

    Boaters who need guidance can watch a short how-to video on preparing shrink wrap for recycling on ODNR’s YouTube channel.

    Last year, the Ohio Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program recycled 60,000 pounds of plastic, contributing to more than 2.6 million pounds collected over the program’s 20-year history. Recycling shrink wrap helps conserve landfill space, reduce plastic pollution in waterways, and support recycling-related jobs in Ohio.

    For more information about the Ohio Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program, including recycling tips and participating locations, visit the Ohio Clean Marinas Program. Questions may also be directed to Ohio Clean Marinas Program Manager Sarah Orlando at ohiocleanmarinas@osu.edu.

    Launched in 2004 with grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ohio Clean Marinas Program is administered through ODNR’s Office of Coastal Management and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program. The program expanded statewide in 2015 with funding from the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. 

    The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership that encourages marinas and boaters to implement simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterways clean. The program supports marina operators in protecting the resources that sustain their operations—clean water and fresh air—while promoting environmental stewardship through best management practices and increased awareness of environmental laws and regulations.

    For more information on the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu/clean.

    Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

    ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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