Recycling On Board
Recycling your cans, plastic containers, and glass bottles is an easy way to control your beverage disposables. Keep a box or bag on your boat. It doesn't need to be big, just big enough to keep the recyclable containers you brought on board that day. Remember to empty your recycling box when you go ashore so it's empty and ready to be used again for your next trip.
Cruising boaters know space is at a premium, so it might be a good idea to get a can crusher for your boat. A can crusher allows you to save your cans and reduce the amount of space your recyclables occupy. Plastic bottles may be smashed and stored so that they won't take up as much space.
The Impact of Litter
A boater may not realize how plastics that make our everyday lives easier can be harmful to both our boats and wildlife. Plastic is lightweight, strong, and it floats. It is made to last a long time. When boaters throw plastic trash into the water it does not sink or decompose. For this reason, the release of plastic into the water is illegal. Federal law, in accordance with the international MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Treaty, outlaws the discharge of any plastic material in the United States or international waters. Trash dumped into the water is known as marine debris.
... On Boats
Marine debris can be harmful to boats. When plastic nets, rope, and fishing line are left in Ohio's waters, they can damage boat motors by getting twisted in the propellers. Both propellers and cooling water intake systems can be fouled by plastics which may cause engine failure. Avoid potentially unsafe boating situations or expensive repairs by keeping your plastics on board.
... On Wildlife
Wildlife has become greatly affected by plastic debris in Ohio's waters. Six-pack holders, if not disposed of properly, can cause birds, fish, and other wildlife to become trapped or even strangled. These holders are virtually invisible under water, so aquatic wildlife cannot avoid them. The rings may float intact for hundreds of years. Six-pack rings are but one example of dangerous plastic floating in our waterways.
More than 50 species of birds are known to ingest plastic. Adult birds even feed plastic pellets to their young. This causes them to feel full, so they eventually die of starvation. Being an environmentally aware boater can help save these birds and other wildlife from suffering and ultimate death. Please don't splash your trash!
Marina Facilities for Recycling
Many marinas in Ohio provide services and facilities for the recycling of oil, aluminum, glass and antifreeze. Utilize these opportunities whenever possible and voice your appreciation of their availability. If they do not already do so, encourage your local marina operator to provide these services.
Follow these tips and keep Ohio's waterways clean:
- Before you toss six-pack holders into the recycling bin, snip each circle with scissors.
- Any potential trash carried on board should be carried off and recycled or disposed of properly. Make sure all fishing lines return to port with you.
- Bring as little disposable plastic on board with you as you can. When possible, buy supplies packaged in glass or metal. Instead of wrapping food to take with you in plastic wrap which contains potentially harmful petroleum products, try using reusable plastic containers.
- Store trash and recyclables in an appropriate container so that materials will not be blown or washed overboard.
- Carry reusable items such as plates, silverware, and cups to reduce on board waste.
- Collect and contain litter encountered as part of your waterway activities. This will enhance the enjoyment of the environment for everyone.
- Recycle glass, aluminum, plastics, paper, motor oil, cardboard, and any other recyclable material.
- Join in organized waterway cleanups.
- Encourage others to be environmentally aware whenever they are using Ohio's water resources.
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