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H 889

An Act relative to boat wrap recycling

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jenny Armini and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a statewide boat shrink-wrap recycling program funded by a 10% surcharge on boat fees; DEP administers funds to centers and requires marinas to host collection sites.

Accompanied a study order, see H5149
1
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Bill Summary · H 889

Summary: H.889 — An Act relative to boat wrap recycling

Overview

H.889, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Jennifer Balinsky Armini, would establish a statewide program to recycle boat shrink-wrap. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism and requires marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and municipal recycling centers to participate in shrink-wrap collection. A new Boat Shrink-Wrap Recycling Fund would support these efforts through a surcharge on boat registration-related fees and other designated revenues.

Purpose and Intent

  • Promote environmental protection by ensuring all boat shrink-wrap scraps are recycled.
  • Create a structured program for the collection, processing, and funding of boat shrink-wrap recycling across municipalities and marine facilities.
  • Provide financial support to municipal recycling centers to operate and maintain shrink-wrap collection sites.

Key Provisions

1) Creation of a New Program and Definitions (Chapter 21A, Section 29)
- Defines key terms: “Boat,” “Commissioner” (Massachusetts DEP), “Department” (DEP), and “Shrink-wrap” (plastic wrapping used to winterize/protect boats).
- The Commissioner must establish a statewide recycling program for boat shrink-wrap scraps or covers.
- The program requires recycling of all shrink-wrap scraps/covers, with removal of all non-shrink-wrap materials (e.g., plastic straps, vents, zippers, buckles).
- Mandates collection sites for shrink-wrap at marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and other marine-related businesses.
- Requires municipal recycling centers to collect shrink-wrap and to receive funding from the Boat Shrink-Wrap Recycling Fund.
- DEP may assist marine businesses with grant applications and must adopt necessary rules/regulations.

2)Funding and Administration (Chapter 29, new Section 2BBBBBB)
- Establishes the Boat Shrink-Wrap Recycling Fund, administered by the DEP.
- Fund sources: designated appropriations; gifts/grants/donations; a 10% surcharge on boat registration, title, and permit fees (see Chapter 90B, Section 40); and investment income.
- The fund is not subject to Section 5C of Chapter 29 but is subject to appropriation.
- Funds provide financial assistance to municipal recycling centers for shrink-wrap collection sites.
- DEP to establish implementing rules/regulations.

3)Surcharge on Boat Fees (Chapter 90B, Section 40)
- Imposes a 10% surcharge on all boat registration, title, and permit fees collected by the Division.
- Revenue deposited into the Boat Shrink-Wrap Recycling Fund.

Affected Entities and Impact

  • Marine businesses: marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and other marine-related facilities must maintain shrink-wrap collection sites.
  • Municipalities and municipal recycling centers: must collect shrink-wrap and may receive DEP-backed funding/support.
  • Boat owners and registrants: subject to the 10% surcharge funded into the new program.
  • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: responsible for administration, funding distribution, and rulemaking.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: scheduled for May 6, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in A-1.
  • Legislative actions show referral to Environment and Natural Resources; related actions indicate status updates in 2025.
  • Related bill: HD 2755 (replaces) indicates prior similar matter.

Notes

  • The bill references a similar matter filed in a prior session (House No. 3919 of 2023-2024).
  • If enacted, DEP rules and program regulations will guide implementation, with ongoing funding contingent on the surcharge and appropriations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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