Solution Scope: Recycling systems for litter and/or waster (Boat disposal service) 

Target Contaminant: Plastics & Other Waste

Solution Provider or Contact Point: Association pour la Plaisance Eco-Responsable (APER)  

Project: National initiative of the Fédération des Industries Nautiques  (FIN); https://www.recyclermonbateau.fr

ITS Description: This innovative solution offers a service for the deconstruction and recycling of decommissioned boats to individual customers, businesses (e.g. sailing clubs), communities, and ports. Interested parties access the APER portal in order to create an online profile and fill out a form for boat decommissioning. Pleasure boats within a size range of 2.5 to 24 meters are accepted (e.g. motorboats, sailboats, jet skis, sports catamarans). Most importantly, all APER services are free of charge for the user, with the exception of transport fees for the boat to reach the deconstruction center. Nonetheless, APER can also help users through arranging this via third parties. The deconstruction process is meticulous and follows strict environmental standards. It begins with the dismantling of boats, where each component is carefully removed and sorted. Recyclable materials are separated from non-recyclable waste, maximizing material recovery, and reducing environmental impact. The overall majority of the boat parts are recycled, e.g. wooden interior design and equipment, plastic parts, and even electrical and electronic equipment. The deconstruction process usually takes places between 2-3 weeks between application procedure and completion. At the end of this, a certificate is made available to the requesting party, providing evidence that the boat no longer exists and that is has been successfully decommissioned. 

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): This ITS responds to an innovation focus area of activity in services for the elimination & remediation of solid waste relative to water vehicles and equipment, namely by addressing the development of new collection schemes (financial and service-based) for waste valorization and recycling. It also responds to challenges listed in the BMM OIR for the wastewater and solid waste management sectors. For example, at the economic level the solution addresses an R&I gap in overcoming financial barriers for adopting innovative services through extended producers’ responsibility (EPR) for infrastructures for collection and recycling.