Description
Any marina owner who has ever had to contend with the disposal of a boat that has been abandoned on the premises knows what a monumental headache it can be. More than taking up valuable space, the boat, if left to deteriorate, can become an eyesore and a well spring of pollutants such as leaking battery acid, fuel, oil, chemical preservatives and lead from paint. Currently, there are no progressive recycling requirements for recreational boats in the United States. The only federal rules of possible applicability to disposal of derelict boats can be found in the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR Part 260), insofar as they identify various hazardous and regulated wastes, which may be present on abandoned boats (lead, oil, coolant, etc.), and prescribe procedures for disposal. State laws vary regarding what materials should be recycled and what materials can be treated and disposed of and where.