Queen Anne’s County Expands Boat Shrinkwrap Recycling Program

As boating season gets underway, Queen Anne’s County is continuing efforts to reduce plastic waste from boat shrink wrap used during winter storage.

County officials say with thousands of recreational boats in the area, the single-use material can significantly impact local landfills. To address the issue, the county is expanding its recycling program in partnership with Plastic Free QAC and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland.

Since launching in 2023, the program has diverted more than 12 tons of shrink wrap from landfills, including more than 1.6 tons in its first year.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by properly preparing shrink wrap for recycling. The material must be clean and free of zippers, windows, ties, or other contaminants before being placed in official MTAM recycling bags and dropped off at the Grasonville Transfer Station.

Free recycling bags are available for residents at:

• West Marine – Chester
• Rommel’s Ace Hardware – Stevensville
• Queen Anne’s County Library – Stevensville (beginning April 1)
• Queen Anne’s County Library – Centreville (beginning April 1)
• Centreville Town Hall

​A dedicated recycling dumpster will be available at the Grasonville Transfer Station starting March 25 and will remain in place through early June.
​
County officials say the program continues to grow through partnerships with local organizations and is aimed at keeping plastic waste out of landfills and waterways.