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 (VTIP) May 14th, 15th, and 16th from 10:00 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.
A Texas General Land Office (GLO) employee surveys vessels turned in during the Chambers County VTIP event in May 2025
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 Division’s Port Neches Office at 409-727-7481 or the Derelict Vessel Field Coordinator at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Friday, May 15, 2026
Saturday May 16, 2026
Each day from 10:00 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.
# # #
Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.