June 27, 2024| Community, Environment
By: Kyle Richter
Last spring, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, along with Roxbury Township Clean Communities, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, and Mount Arlington Borough, partnered with Ultra-Poly, a Pennsylvania-based recycling company, to provide recycling containers for boat shrink wrap to marinas around Lake Hopatcong. During this pilot program, a staggering 7 tons (14,000 pounds) of boat shrink wrap was collected and recycled, reducing the burden on our local landfills.
This year, we were excited to expand the shrink wrap recycling program! Our partnerships grew to include Jefferson Township and the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority, and we held two community drop-off days for individuals, along with providing containers for marinas throughout the spring. This expansion resulted in the collection of an extraordinary 19 tons (38,120) of boat shrink wrap!
Once the collected shrink wrap reaches Ultra-Poly's facilities, it will be processed into small pellets, which can be used to manufacture composite lumber, product packaging, totes and storage containers, and even flowerpots and planters.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this program, contributing to its resounding success and fostering a more sustainable future for Lake Hopatcong. We are diligently working towards the continuation of the program in 2025. Stay tuned, and happy boating!
