Creative Polymer Solutions | Resources for Marinas

How to Recycle Boat Wrap

Step 1: Roll or Bundle the Shrink Wrap

Roll or bundle the shrink wrap to keep it clean and manageable. Avoid dragging the wrap across the parking lot to prevent contamination with dirt or gravel.

Step 2: Remove Rope or Strapping

Remove any rope or strapping used to secure the shrink wrap. Discard these materials as they cannot be recycled.

Step 3: Place Shrink Wrap in Provided Bags

Place shrink wrap directly into the tinted blue plastic bags provided by Creative Polymer Solutions (CPS). Ensure the shrink wrap is securely placed inside the bag. Do not wait too long to bag the shrink wrap to minimize contamination.

Step 4: Discard Other Ineligible Materials

Remove vents from the shrink wrap and place them in a blue bin or trash.
Do not include carpet or rubber padding from boat supports in the blue bags.

Step 5: Store & Protect Bagged Wrap

Place the bagged shrink wrap in an easily accessible area for pickup. Ensure the wrap is stored in a way that protects it from further contamination. Do not dispose of shrink wrap in dumpster, as contamination will render it unusable for recycling.

Step 6: Contact CPS for Pickup

Contact Creative Polymer Solutions once all the boat’s shrink wrap is bagged. While marina staff assistance isn’t required, any assistance during pickup is always appreciated.

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What not to put in the recycling bags

When recycling boat wrap, it’s important to avoid placing non-recyclable materials into the tinted blue bags.

Do not include rope, strapping, carpet, or rubber padding, as these items cannot be processed for recycling. Additionally, remove any vents from the shrink wrap and dispose of them separately in a blue bin or trash. Lastly, avoid using dumpsters for shrink wrap disposal, as contamination from other trash will render the plastic unsuitable for recycling. Keeping the contents clean and free of contaminants ensures the wrap can be successfully recycled.

Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Explained

How do I recycle my boat wrap in Ontario?

Fill out the Recycling Program form here for a pickup time.

What type of plastic is boat shrink wrap?

It's LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Recycling code #4.
Low Density is a reference to the plastic’s molecular structure/density.

Does my boat wrap actually get recycled?

Yes, the boat wrap does get recycled properly.

Where does my boat wrap get recycled?

We work with multiple recyclers around the world.
Each Recycler will have a proprietary method of recycling.
Almost all the Plastic is Mechanically Recycled.

How does the boat wrap get recycled?

The plastic is Shredded, Washed, Dried & Extruded back into plastic pellets.
These are Recycled Plastic Pellets that can be used in a variety of applications.
This grade of LDPE is best suited for making film products like garbage bags, grocerybags, etc.

Why can't boat wrap get recycled in Ontario?

Recycling plastic is labor intensive and requires a large amount of electricity & maintenance.
Ontario currently has No Regulations for Recycling Boat Wrap.
This means all Boat Wrap Recycling is Voluntary for now.

Will there be regulations on boat wrap in the future?

Possibly, but the timeframe is undetermined.

If you have any questions that have not been addressed, please contact us.

Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling: Step-by-Step Guide and FAQs