Evan Milberg July 2, 2018
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) announced the the launch of a project to investigate dismantling and re-processing of fiberglass hulls into cement as an alternative to landfill.

The project aims to:

  • Pilot the dismantling and processing activities of 60-100 metric tons of glass fiber vessels in partnership with local boatyards
  • Partner with local, state, and federal agencies to design the process to meet all health and safety requirements
  • Conduct an economic analysis of the pilot program to determine long-term feasibility
  • Investigate legislation and regulations necessary to support fiberglass hull recycling
  • Document lessons learned and develop resources to aid in glass fiber vessel recycling programs throughout the US and globally.

“We’d like to help design a system that incorporates best practices for the responsible re-use of a significant source of solid waste,” says Dennis Nixon, director of Rhode Island Sea Grant. “The small size of Rhode Island makes us the perfect test site for a potential national solution.”