Ocean Beach holds public forum after village takes over sanitation; residents press for more recycling, composting and enforcement

The village's recent decision to run its own sanitation services prompted an extended public forum Sept. 19 at which residents urged stronger recycling, expanded yard‑waste and bulk pickup services, and clearer enforcement for rental properties.

"We've recycled 5,000 gallons plus of oil," Trustee Jennifer Moritz told attendees while encouraging ideas to reduce haul‑off costs. Community volunteers and local organizations — including VOBEC — described pilot efforts such as oyster‑shell collection and community composting and asked the board to expand collection points and off‑island recycling exits.

Residents proposed practical steps: more on‑island composting to keep organics local, dedicated recycling receptacles at popular beach access points, expanded bulk‑pickup windows, and a drop‑off option for DIY yard projects. Camille Giugliano, speaking for VOBEC, urged a system to "offload all those materials literally on a daily basis" from beach and park areas into recycling containers.

Administrators and trustees said a transition plan will begin in October, moving to a five‑person sanitation crew as seasonal demand decreases and phasing out leased contractor trucks. Officials also said the village has purchased a baler for cardboard and will publish a detailed pickup/recycling calendar and cost figures before spring. Trustee Ian Levine suggested offering a fixed paid option for extra cans for rental properties to avoid post‑season surprises for landlords and renters.

The forum produced no immediate ordinances; trustees directed staff to return with cost analyses, a seasonal calendar and outreach plans, and to coordinate with DEC and community groups on grant and technical assistance opportunities.