QAC achieves significant milestone in reducing plastic waste in marine industry

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne’s County has achieved a remarkable success in its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste generated by the marine industry. The county’s recent initiative to recycle single-use boat shrink wrap has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of plastic diverted from landfills.

In the second year of the program, Queen Anne’s County government, in partnership with Plastic Free QAC and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, has seen an impressive 370% increase in the amount of recycled shrink wrap compared to last year. This year, a total of 12,000 pounds (6 tons) of plastic shrink wrap was collected and recycled, a substantial increase from the 1.62 tons collected in 2023.

County Commissioner Phil Dumenil expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This significant increase in our recycling efforts underscores the dedication and commitment of our residents and businesses to protect our county. By expanding the availability of MTAM recycle bags and increasing the public awareness, we have made it easier for everyone to participate in this important initiative.”

Key highlights of this year’s success include:

Increased participation from individual boat owner with a notable rise in the number of individual boat owners participating in the recycling program, showcasing the community’s growing environmental consciousness.

Expansion of recycling bag pickup locations; the program expanded from one to four convenient pickup locations for MTAM recycle bags, including:West Marine in Chester, Rommel’s Ace Hardware in Stevensville, Centreville Town Hall and Refill Goodness in Stevensville.

Commitment from local marinas and boat companies. Several local businesses committed to responsible disposal of shrink wrap, among them: Bay Bridge Marina, Bosun’s Marine, Atlantic Yacht Services and Pocket Yacht Company

The MTAM recycle bags, sponsored by the County Commissioners, were provided free of charge and made available at multiple locations. The dedicated MTAM shrink wrap dumpster at the Grasonville Transfer Station facilitated easy and eco-friendly disposal for boat owners from early April to June.

This initiative is part of Queen Anne’s County’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By continuing to work together, the county aims to set an example for other communities across Maryland and beyond.

Plastic Free QAC started in 2018 with the mission to reduce single use plastic usage in general, and places focus on education, and building public awareness, according to Sara Shelley, president of Plastic Free QAC.

“We are really thrilled with the community response,” she said.

Understanding that old habits with single use plastics can be hard to shake, Plastic Free QAC looks to continually build involvement by connecting with individual boat owners and hosting community-wide clean ups, Shelley said.

For more information about the recycling program, including where to pick up MTAM recycle bags and drop off cleaned shrink wrap, visit https://lnk.bio/RecycleBoatShrinkwrap.