• Program Overview & Why it Exists
• Q&A with Sarah Bonvallet of Wrap Recycle Right Program & Denise Diorio McVeigh, EPR Services and Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Reverse Logistics Group
Editor’s note: This is Part 1 of a three-part Q&A with leaders of the Wrap Recycle Right program. We explore Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law, how the program works and why it was created.
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager
Minnesota marine retailers are preparing for important new requirements tied to the state’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law.
To help dealers better understand what’s coming, how it may impact their operations and why participation matters, we sat down with Sarah Bonvallet, Operations Program Coordinator at WRRP and Denise Diorio McVeigh, EPR Services and Stakeholder Engagement Manager for RLG, who both support the Wrap Recycle Right Program. In this Q&A, they explain how the program works, outline key deadlines for retailers and share practical guidance on how marine businesses can prepare and get involved.
Chad: Can you briefly explain what the Wrap Recycle Right Program is? And the role it plays in Minnesota’s boating community?
Sarah: The Wrap Recycle Right (WRR) program helps Minnesota boaters recycle their plastic boat wrap at no cost. It provides free collection and recycling services in the state and it also works with various members of the boating community, like the MRAA, to increase understanding, grow participation and build a state-wide recycling program that Minnesota can be proud of.
Chad: How does the WRR Program fit into Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law and why was this law created?
Sarah: Wrap Recycle Right is branded program name that carries out what Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law requires. The law was created to tackle the growing amount of plastic boat wrap ending up in landfills and to make recycling easier and more consistent across the state. WRR puts that mission into action by creating a simple, free way for the boating community to recycle their wrap and by helping educate, so the process feels easy and accessible for everyone.
Chad: What organizations are involved in implementing and managing the program? What roles do they play?
Sarah: Currently there are three organizations that are involved with implementation and management of the Wrap Recycle Right program. First off, is CIFFRO, which stands for Commercial & Industrial Flexible Film Recycling Organization. This is the stewardship organization that was created by boat wrap producers and is responsible for running and funding the program.
Second is RLG, which stands for Reverse Logistics Group. This is the company Denise and I work for. CIFFRO brought us in to help roll out the Boat Wrap Stewardship Plan and support the ongoing Wrap Recycle Right program. This kind of EPR program support is what our team does, so we’re here to lend some extra hands and know‑how. Our goal is to help CIFFRO, retailers and the boating community build a long‑term program that works smoothly for everyone.
And last is the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This is the state agency that oversees the program from a compliance and enforcement perspective. MPCA reviews and approves the stewardship plan, sets performance goals, monitors producer and retailer compliance and maintains the public list of approved producers.
Chad: What exactly is considered “boat wrap” under the program?
Sarah: Well, I think it is best that I use the definition given in the law. Which is — boat wrap means plastic that is used, intended for use, designed or marketed for the purposes of wrapping a boat to protect it against moisture and damage from other potentially harmful elements during storage.
For more information, connect with Chad about Minnesota’s Wrap Recycle Right Program
