Roxbury Clean Communities, Lake Hopatcong Foundation Lauded by State for Boat Wrap Recycling Effort

ROXBURY, NJ - A boat shrink-wrap recycling program - led substantially by Roxbury Clean Communities and the Roxbury-based Lake Hopatcong Foundation - was awarded Wednesday by the state as being among New Jersey's “leaders in recycling and sustainability.”

At an awards ceremony, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) cited the boat shrink wrap recycling program as being a leader in “source reduction, resource management/sustainability.”

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“Morris and Sussex Counties’ Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling programs diverted many tons of contaminant-free, recyclable plastic material from being landfilled,” said the DEP.  “The program was well received by the local boating community and continues to grow.”

The state noted that The Lake Hopatcong Foundation (LHF), Roxbury Clean Communities and the company that recycles the material, UltraPoly Corporation, are “key partners in the program, and it pointed out the “dedicated educational campaign” that was created to spread word about the program.

“The Murphy Administration commends the award winners for their outstanding work to promote recycling and educate their communities about the importance of reducing waste to better protect our natural resources,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said . “Since 1987, when New Jersey became the first state to require recycling, our state has consistently delivered forward-looking solutions to improve recycling programs and enhance sustainable practices. We would not be a national leader if not for those constantly seeking to refine and innovate how we recycle.”

The boat shrink wrap recycling program at marinas around Lake Hopatcong began in 2023 and this year more than doubled the material collected.

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When it began in 2023, the program was a collaboration between the LHF, Roxbury Township Clean Communities, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority and Mount Arlington Borough.

"This year, we were excited to expand the shrink wrap recycling program," said LHF Executive Director Kyle Richter in June. "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."

The collected boat wrap is turned into small pellets, "which can be used in the manufacturing of composite lumber, product packaging, totes and storage containers, and even flowerpots and planters," according to Richter.

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