Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Now Open on Cape Cod
Free recycling available for residents through July 31, 2026
April 6, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) – 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’s 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.
“Every spring, we see just how much plastic comes off boats across Cape Cod,” said Kari Parcell, Municipal Assistance Coordinator with Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. “This program gives residents an easy way to recycle that material instead of throwing it away. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference for our environment and our coastal communities.”
In addition to helping residents recycle, the program is also making it easier for boatyards and marinas to manage shrink wrap year-round.
“This year we’re encouraging boatyards to work with their waste haulers to recycle boat wrap directly,” said Stephanie Murphy of WHOI Sea Grant. “In a matter of minutes, haulers can set up an account with the recycling facility we’ve 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.”
More information for boatyards and waste haulers is available at seagrant.whoi.edu/shrinkwraprecycling-boatyards-haulers/
How to recycle boat shrink wrap on Cape Cod
- Free for Cape Cod residents at most locations
- Clean material only. Remove straps, vents, and zippers
- Commercial users such as marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs may be charged depending on location
Boat shrink wrap cannot go in curbside recycling. It must be brought to a designated Cape Cod transfer station.
Cape Cod shrink wrap recycling locations
Bourne Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility
Route 28, 201 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm; Saturday, 7 am to noon
- Free for Cape residents
- Commercial entities: $160 per ton
Chatham Transfer Station
97 Sam Ryder Road, Chatham, MA
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 8 am to 4 pm
- Free for Cape residents
- Commercial entities: $50 per ton
Eastham Transfer Station
555 Old Orchard Road, Eastham, MA
Hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 7:30 am to 3 pm
- Free for Eastham residents
- $10 for non-residents
- Commercial entities: $165 per ton
Falmouth Waste Management Facility
458 Thomas B Landers Road, East Falmouth, MA
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 am to 2:30 pm
- Free for Cape residents
- No commercial material accepted
Wellfleet Transfer and Recycling Center
370 Coles Neck Road, Wellfleet, MA
Hours: Friday to Tuesday, 8 am to 3:30 pm
- Free for residents and businesses in Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown only
Keep it clean for recycling
Shrink wrap can be recycled into products like trash bags and other plastic materials, but only if it is clean.
Remove all non-shrink wrap items before drop-off, including:
- Strapping
- Vents
- Zippered doors
A simple method is to cut the wrap around the belly of the boat so straps fall away, then roll the plastic for easy transport.
Learn more For full details, preparation tips, and updates, visit: seagrant.whoi.edu/shrinkwrap
