AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages Chambers County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the Chambers County Vessel Turn-In Program (V-TIP) May 8th, 9th, and 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Chambers County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Chambers County Emergency Services and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office to offer Chambers County residents a free event to remove inoperable vessels.
Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program, 2023
During the multi-day turn-in event, Chambers County residents may bring their inoperable boats and boat trailers to the designated drop-off location, which the GLO and TPWD will verify for eligibility. To be eligible:
- Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off.
- Chambers County residents must provide verification of vessel ownership and a Release of Interest and Ownership.
- The title of each vessel must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes.
- Boats exceeding the maximum length of 26 feet may be eligible for disposal on a case-by-case basis.
- Please call the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response program's Port Lavaca Office at 361-552-8081 or the Derelict Vessel Field Coordinator at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
Saturday May 10, 2025
Each day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location:
Chambers County Solid Waste
7501 Highway 65
Anahuac, TX 77514
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors removing all fuel, oil, and batteries, and TPWD verifies ownership and clears the ship for disposal.
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense—around $1,000 per foot. The GLO and its partners encourage communities to participate in VTIPs to avoid these steep costs and to keep their boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 45 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,813 inoperable boats measuring 29,418 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 3,665 gallons of fuel and oil.
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