Grant will expand shrink-wrap recycling efforts

When boating season gets under way for 2008, Ocean County will be ready with an expanded shrink-wrap collection and recycling program.

"We are very pleased to be receiving a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection that will allow us to expand this program," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly.

With an $18,300 grant from the state, the county will purchase four 30-cubic yard-roll-off containers and place them at municipal recycling centers in Brick and Toms River townships, Point Pleasant and Waretown.

"We have conducted a shrink-wrap program for the past six years and this grant will help us with its expansion to several municipalities," said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the county's award-winning recycling program.

"These four municipalities have the highest number of marinas and public boat ramps in Ocean County," Lacey said.

Residents can currently recycle shrinkwrap by bringing it to the county's regional recycling centers located in Lakewood and Stafford townships. Shrink-wrap is the plastic wrap used to protect boats during the winter months.

"By placing these new containers in municipal recycling centers it would help to further the program," Lacey said. "In 2006 we recycled 65 tons of shrink wrap."

Lacey noted that most of this material is generated in the spring when owners are getting their boats ready to be returned to the water.

"With this grant we will be ready for the next boating season," Lacey said.