AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages Orange County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program (V-TIP) on April 5, 8, 10, and 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Orange County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to offer Orange County residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.
Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program, 2023
During the multi-day turn-in event, Orange County residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats 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.
- Orange 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 Neches Office at 409-727-7481 or Derelict Vessel Field Operations at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Each day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location:
Orange County Collection Station
11265 FM 1442
Orange, TX 77632
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 43 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,719 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 28,131 linear feet from coastal areas.
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