1
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-34327, Form S-3 No. 333-30813, Form S-3 No. 333-28067, Form
S-8 No. 333-26757, Form S-3 No. 333-80089 and Form S-3 No. 333-44507) and in
the related Prospectus of our report dated January 16, 1998 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Prins Recycling Corp. and subsidiaries
(debtor-in-possession) included in this Current Report (Form 8-K/A) of KTI, Inc.
dated January 28, 1998.



                                                 Ernst & Young LLP



Hackensack, New Jersey
January 27, 1998