What Minnesota Marine Retailers Need to Know About Boat Wrap Recycling

A conversation with Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA); Sarah Bonvallet, Operations Program Coordinator; and Denise Diorio McVeigh, EPR Services and Stakeholder Engagement Manager with Wrap Recycle Right.

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Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law is now in effect — and marine retailers are right at the heart of making it work. MRAA’s Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz sat down with Sarah and Denise, two of the program’s key coordinators, to talk through what compliance looks like in practice, how retailers can get involved, and why their participation gives this material a second life.

What obligations do marine retailers have under the program, and how accessible is it to meet them? 

Denise: The compliance side is pretty straightforward. Before placing an order for boat wrap, retailers need to check the MPCA’s list of approved producers, manufacturers, and distributors. If the producer was listed as compliant on the day you placed your order, you’re in good shape. Keeping a simple purchase log goes a long way toward staying organized. One check before you buy — that’s the foundation of it.

Retailers who want to go further can also choose to become a collection point for used boat wrap, giving that material a second life and supporting the broader program.

How can retailers verify their supplier is compliant — and what if their preferred producer isn’t on the list?

Denise: The MPCA maintains a current, publicly available list of approved producers. Bookmark it and check it every time you place an order. If your go-to supplier isn’t listed, that’s a hiccup — but not a dead end. Producers who want to participate can take steps to get added. The list reflects who’s actively funding the infrastructure that makes recycling work. When you choose from it, your choice keeps materials moving and supports the companies making this system possible.

What key deadlines should retailers have on their radar?

Sarah: September 1, 2025, is when the law went into effect, so retailers need to be purchasing from compliant producers now. That’s the big one.

On the collection side, we’re onboarding new sites for the 2026 season through April 1st — Spring collection starts right after that. If you’re interested in hosting but aren’t ready this season, reach out this fall and we’ll get you lined up for 2027.

Looking further ahead, the program has recycling goals built into law — 50% of boat wrap sold in Minnesota recycled by 2030, and 80% by 2035. Every season is a small action with an extended lifecycle impact, and retailer participation is a big part of how we get there.

What support is available, especially for smaller retailers?

Denise: No one is navigating this alone. A Retailer Resource Guide is coming soon with point-of-sale signs, a draft customer email, and other ready-to-use materials. Signing up for program email updates keeps you current.

And just reach out — Sarah and I are both available by email or phone to walk through questions about compliance, purchasing decisions, or what hosting a collection site looks like in practice.

Sarah: This program is the first of its kind in the country, and we’re building it together. Retailer feedback has already shaped how we operate. You’re not just following a program — you’re helping build one.

Why does retailer participation matter to the long-term success of boat wrap recycling?

Sarah: Retailers are genuinely one of the most important parts of this. When you purchase from compliant producers, you support the companies funding the collection and recycling infrastructure. More material collected means greater efficiency, stronger end markets, and building a fully sustainable boat wrap recycling system in the state.

In five to ten years, I hope we look back and say the Minnesota boating community helped build something other states admire. Retailers will play a big part in that story.

Key Takeaways for Retailers:

1. Check the list before you buy. The MPCA’s approved producer list is your go-to compliance tool — bookmark it and make it part of every order.
2. Keep a purchase log. Simple records go a long way toward staying organized and protected.
3. September 1, 2025 is the compliance start date. Purchasing from compliant producers is required now.
4. Collection for 2026 is underway. Interested in learning more? Reach out — or plan ahead for 2027.
5. Support is available. The Retailer Resource Guide, program emails, and direct support from Sarah and Denise make getting started accessible for every operation, large or small.

Find a collection site and take the next step

Compliance is accessible — it begins with one step: check the MPCA’s list of approved producers before your next order. Your choice as a retailer gives boat wrap a second life, and that’s something worth being part of.