Mayor
July 10, 2026
Dear Friends,
The city has received numerous calls and emails about missed trash and recycling pickups in the past few weeks and particularly through the Fourth of July holiday week. I want to reassure everybody that we are working with our contractor to make sure that all obligations are fully met, and we are prepared to take whatever recourse is necessary to make sure that happens.
But we are all in this together. There are some measures that residents can take to help ensure timely pickup:
Trash in 96-gallon containers will not be picked up. These containers are designed to be picked up mechanically. We have communicated this requirement repeatedly over the past few years.
All containers, when filled with contents, must not exceed fifty (50) pounds in weight.
Don’t block traffic in the alleys. During the crowded summer weeks, trash trucks cannot access many alleys due to parked cars blocking the way.
Understand that pickup schedules are not affected by the summer holidays. The regular pickup schedule is interrupted by only three holidays each year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. If your regularly scheduled pickup day falls on Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day, trash will be picked up as usual and should be placed at curbside as usual.
Trash in loose plastic bags will not be picked up. All trash bags must be placed in containers. Recycling material should be placed directly in containers and never in plastic bags.
Please make sure your trash is at curbside on time. Trash routes begin at 7 a.m. With the volume of summer trash to be picked up, collection routes may continue until 8 p.m.
Remember that the city provides a service that allows residents to drop off trash and recycling at the Shelter Road Recycling Center on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This convenience serves residents who may not be at their Ocean City homes during the regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup days during the week.
As always, you can call 609-399-6111, ext. 9710 to report any issues with your regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup.
The Army Corps of Engineers’ contractor began pumping sand onto our beaches on Tuesday, and our much-needed replenishment project is already making great progress. The Army Corps, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection have been great partners, and they are working with us to keep public access open, as much as possible.
With work underway between First Street and Third Street, guarded beaches remain open at North Street, Stenton Place, Park Place and Brighton Place. When the work progresses past Third Street, the wide and newly rebuilt beaches at St. Charles Place and Pennlyn Place will reopen, and the OCBP will look to restore guarded beaches at or near both locations. The beach entrance at Morningside Road, which has been used for delivery of equipment, is expected to reopen on Monday or Tuesday.
Our Recreation Division has added soccer nets and basketball hoops to the facilities on the beach along the 500 block. Check out “Inside City Hall” below to get a look at the fun.
We announced today that Phillies legend John Kruk and actor Randy Quaid will be our grand marshals for the Night in Venice parade on July 25. We’ll have a special screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” that afternoon. You can read more here. Stay tuned next week for announcements about other special guests for Night in Venice.
I’m sad to report on the loss of Marian Talese at age 90 earlier this week. Marian was one of the true matriarchs of Ocean City, and her contributions to the arts and community service in Ocean City were immeasurable. We are blessed that her family continues her legacy in our town. Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone she touched during her remarkable life. Funeral services will be on Tuesday morning at St. Augustine’s
Church.
I hope you all have a great weekend with family and friends. Be safe and have fun.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
Sign up to receive email alerts about this weekly mayor's update.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
