LAKE HOPATCONG, N.J. — A free boat shrink wrap recycling program will return this spring, offering boaters an environmentally friendly way to dispose of seasonal waste, officials announced.
A drop-off event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Health Center, 57 Minnisink Road in Lake Hopatcong. Sussex County residents can also drop off shrink wrap Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority’s Solid Waste Facility, 34 Route 94 South in Lafayette.
“Recycling boat shrink wrap is a simple yet impactful way to protect our environment,” said Kellie Ann Keyes, recycling coordinator for Roxbury Township. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations to make it easy for boaters to recycle responsibly.”
The initiative is a collaboration among the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority, Roxbury Clean Communities, Jefferson Township and Ultra-Poly, a Pennsylvania-based recycler. The program has been recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for leadership in waste reduction.
“Programs like this help reduce the amount of plastic entering landfills and the natural environment,” said Kyle Richter, executive director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. “It’s a practical way for boaters to be part of a broader effort to manage waste more responsibly.”
Now in its fourth year, the Morris and Sussex County Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program has kept more than 50 tons of material out of the waste stream and is offered at no cost to participants.
“We are thrilled to work with partners across the region to make boat shrink wrap recycling accessible and convenient,” said Ryan Miller, business development manager at Ultra-Poly. “This service not only reduces plastic waste but also supports the creation of new products from recycled materials.”
Collected material is processed through a closed-loop recycling system and turned into small pellets used to manufacture products such as composite lumber and packaging.
“We are excited to see the continued success of this recycling initiative and its impact in reducing waste,” said Anthony Marrone, district recycling coordinator for the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority. “This partnership is a great example of how creative solutions can make a real difference in our community.”
To prepare shrink wrap for recycling, participants should remove all non-plastic materials such as ropes, vents and zippers, shake off debris and fold or roll the material into a manageable size.
“We’re proud to support this regional effort to keep recyclable materials out of our landfills,” said Dawn Latincsics, Sussex County recycling coordinator for the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority. “Programs like this show how partnerships can create real environmental benefits for our communities.”
