Bellingham, WASH. – Abandoned and derelict vessels in Whatcom County can pose an immediate threat to public health and the environment. But thanks to a voluntary program, 29 unwanted vessels have been removed from local waters and safely recycled.
The Whatcom County Vessel Turn-In Event, held from late July through late August, gave Whatcom County vessel owners the opportunity to dispose of their unwanted boats for free. The event was a collaborative effort between the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC), Whatcom County, the Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation, Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition, Northwest Straits Commission, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Washington Department of Ecology.
Abandoned and derelict vessels often end up in marinas, rivers, landfills or marine habitats where they can harm the environment due to petroleum products, hazardous waste and other toxic materials stored on board. This program is a cost-effective and proactive way to protect our waterways and communities.
The event was held at the Landings at Colony Wharf on Bellingham Bay, where vessels were deconstructed and hazardous materials safely removed, and the vast majority of materials were sorted and sent to DTG Recycling facility for processing.
DNR established the Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to prevent boats from becoming derelict or abandoned on state aquatic lands and harming water quality and threatening public safety.
By partnering with local organizations, the state empowers local boat owners to dispose of unwanted vessels responsibly.
“I’m incredibly happy to see this broad partnership focusing on keeping Washington’s waterways cleaner and safer,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. “Derelict vessels are a constant problem, and giving vessel owners a way to help deal with problem boats before they sink saves us all money and environmental damage. Without these partnerships, we’d see a lot more boats breaking down in Puget Sound.”
The program saves the state money by focusing efforts on collectively disposing of multiple vessels to prevent them from becoming derelict in state waters, where they become much more costly to remove.Similar events held collaboratively by DNR, NW Straits Commission, and partners in 2023 and 2024 resulted in a total of 73 vessels being voluntarily turned-in and recycled. This preventative approach leads to substantial cost efficiencies for the VTIP program by bringing multiple boats to one place, reducing vessel disposal and recycling costs by half.
According to Lucas Hart, NW Straits Director, “The success of the vessel turn-in event showcases the collaboration of many partners, all contributing unique elements. By co-hosting, the team was able to use resources and expertise of state agencies like DNR and Ecology while also tapping into the local knowledge and community connections of local partners. These partnerships enabled the event to reach the right audience and leveraged funds to create a cost effective solution for helping prevent vessels from becoming derelict or abandoned.”
Whatcom vessel turn-in event final numbers
- 29 vessels were voluntarily turned in and generated 86.9 tons of mixed debris.
- 36.3 tons of scrap wood, 10.2 tons of metal, 18.8 tons of cardboard, and 4.1 tons of plastic, for a total of 69.4 tons of material successfully recycled.
- 350 gallons of waste fuels and 2200 lbs of other hazardous materials, including aerosols, paint, oil, engine coolant, sealants, adhesives, and 25 fire extinguishers were safely disposed of, preventing them from contaminating our marine environment.
While the Whatcom event was a special opportunity for vessel disposal, DNR’s Vessel Turn-In Program accepts boats year-round. “If you have an old boat that needs to be disposed of, I encourage you to participate in this great program, sponsored by the Port of Bellingham and our partners at Colony Wharf,” said Michael Alvarez Shepard, Commissioner, Port of Bellingham. “Disposal is safe, free, and helps avoid boats becoming liabilities down the line.”
Do you have a boat you would like to turn in? Learn if you qualify: Vessel Turn In Program | WA DNR Vessel Turn-In Program | WA - DNR
This vessel turn-in event is funded in part by WA DNR through the VTIP program, and the NW Straits Commission through congressionally directed spending funds administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Additional funding was provided by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Additional in-kind support has been provided by the Ecology Spills Program, Port of Bellingham, Whatcom MRC, the Nooksack Indian Tribe, and the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition.
Partner information
Nooksack Indian Tribe: The Nooksack Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe of about 2,000 members, based in Deming, Washington. The Tribe’s name means “always bracken fern roots,” reflecting a deep connection to the land. Guided by a Tribal Council and Government, the Nooksack are committed to sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the well-being of their people. www.nooksacktribe.org
Lummi Nation: The Lummi Nation is home to the Lhaq’temish (People of the Sea), who are the original inhabitants of the land and coastal waters in Washington’s northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. The Lummi Nation is a Self-Governing Nation within the United States with more than 5,000 members and manage nearly 13,000 acres of tidelands. The Lummi People envision their homeland as a place where they enjoy an abundant, safe, and healthy life in mind, body, society, environment, space, time, and spirituality; where all are encouraged to succeed and none are left behind. www.lummi-nsn.gov
Port of Bellingham: The Port is a countywide municipal corporation with a mission to fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region. Throughout Whatcom County, the Port owns, operates, and maintains approximately 1600 acres of property, including a shipping terminal, a cruise terminal, two marinas, industrial development areas, commercial uplands, parklands, shoreline public access areas, and an international airport. For more information about the Port of Bellingham, please visit www.portofbellingham.com Contact: Mike Hogan, Public Affairs Administrator | mikeh@portofbellingham.com | 360-920-5027
Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition: The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition is a member-based organization with the mission to promote the economic benefits and vitality of a working waterfront. We lobby and advocate for our maritime businesses and economy here in Whatcom County, and do public outreach and education on our maritime trades. Preserving space in our economy and waterfront for a diversity of economic opportunities helps balance cost of living and affordability in a region. When waterfronts are working, they work for all. Contact: Dan Tucker, Executive Director | Dant@whatcomworkingwaterfront.org | 360-927-2302
Whatcom MRC: The Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is one of seven citizen-based committees in the Northwest Straits region to address marine issues. The MRCs’ purpose is to guide local communities, using up-to-date information and scientific expertise, to achieve the important goals of resource conservation and habitat protection within the Northwest Straits. Contact: Austin Rose, Natural Resources Specialist II | Whatcom MRC Coordinator, Whatcom County Public Works – Natural Resources | arose@co.whatcom.wa.us | 360-778-6286
NOAA Marine Debris Program: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is the United States Government’s lead for addressing the impacts of marine debris on our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes. The NOAA Marine Debris Program works with organizations around the United States and globally to prevent marine debris from entering the environment, remove it from coastal areas, better understand the problem through research and shoreline monitoring, and respond to debris created by disasters. Contact: Andrew Mason, Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator | andrew.mason@noaa.gov | 206-526-6943
Washington Department of Natural Resources: As steward of the state’s 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands, the state Department of Natural Resources manages the Derelict Vessel Removal Program. Since launching the program in 2002, WDNR has removed more than 1,000 abandoned or neglected vessels from Washington’s waterways, making beaches, navigation channels and precious aquatic habitats safer and healthier. Contact: Joe Smilie, Communications Manager | joe.smilie@dnr.gov | 360-688-3392
Washington State Department of Ecology: Established in 1970, the state Department of Ecology works to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Innovative partnerships help Ecology protect and sustain healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. Contact: Curt Hart, SEA Program Communications Manager curt.hart@ecy.wa.gov | 564-250-2126
Northwest Straits Commission: Is a community-led collaboration working to protect and restore the marine environment of northwest Washington. We protect and restore the marine environment of northwest Washington by collaborating with Tribal, economic, recreational, and environmental interests in on-the-ground restoration, education, and monitoring projects. Contact: Jessica Owens, Communications Coordinator Northwest Straits Commission | owens@nwstraits.org | 564-900-0575