It is estimated that approximately 1 million pounds of virgin shrink wrap material is sold each year in Rhode Island for uses including covering boats for winter storage.  Until

recently, that material most likely ended up in a landfill. Thanks to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, a program was developed to recycle used shrink wrap as well as scraps generated during installation.  Many marinas are participating in this program and are serving as drop sites for boaters who want to do their part to recycle, as well as responsible independent businesses like The Boat Guys who provide shrink wrap services. The RIRRC recycling

program requires a few simple steps.  If you'd like a brochure that explains what to do, we'll be glad to send you one.  First, purchase a recycling bag (usually will fit the cover of a 30' cruiser style boat) for $10.00 from your local marina or contact us and we can mail you one.  Next, cut off the plastic cover in manageable strips.  All nylon strapping and metal buckles used to build the frame and secure the cover must be removed and properly discarded.  All plastic vents must be removed. If you have a zippered access door, remember to cut around the circumference of the door and save it for the following year.  You can potentially get 2-3 seasons of use out of the door provided that the zipper remains in good condition.  The strips of plastic should be rolled or folded into tight bundles, then placed in the recycling bag.  The top of the bag may be closed with a tie or with tape.  No material other than shrink wrap

 plastic may be placed in the bag.  The bag may then be dropped off at a participating marina, or we will pick up the bag if we are performing Spring services at your home.  For customers who would  like for us to remove the entire cover and framework, we will gladly do so.  Our charges for complete removal of the cover and framework, including recycling, is $3.00 per foot for cruiser style boats, and $5.00 per foot for bridge boats.  We would not suggest saving the wood framework, as we may build differently from season to season.  For customers who wish to recycle but do not wish to take the material to a marina, we can offer you the Dr. Shrink REBAG recycling program.  This is similar in that we can send you a clear bag and the material must be cut and separated from non-shrink wrap waste as with the RIRRC program.  The difference here is that once the plastic is placed in the bag and the bag is secured with a supplied plastic tie, a pre-paid UPS shipping label is affixed and may be dropped off or picked up by UPS for shipment to the recycler.  These bags are slightly smaller than the RIRRC program, and would approximately hold the plastic from a 24' cruiser style boat.  The cost of this program will have to be determined prior to our sending the appropriate number of bags.