The Village of Sea Cliff’s Board of Trustees addressed the issue of weak recycling by the community at their board meeting on Monday, March 9. The issue was broached by co-chairs of the Sea Cliff Environmental Conservation Committee, Dina Epstein and Laura Russo, who proposed having the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation give a presentation on Comprehensive Recycling Analysis.
While the in-depth analysis would cover everything from identifying recyclables in the waste stream and evaluation of existing efforts to recover recyclables, to a description of the existing administrative and financial structure and an implementation plan for alternative recycling strategies, the board believes it starts with the residents themselves.
“If the presentation is focused on motivating residents to recycle, then it’s worth it,” said Trustee Nicholas Pinto, noting that the CRA is designed for communities that don’t have a system in place. “It’s not our infrastructure that’s the problem, it’s our resident participation. We had a target of getting 30% of the community recycling, but it’s now less than 18%.”
Mayor Elena Villafane commended Russo’s and Epstein’s tireless efforts in the recycling mission, even as she acknowledged that the message hasn’t necessarily stuck with residents.
“We’ve been fighting the fight since you were on the board,” Villafane said, noting the co-chairs work to spur better recycling by distributing bins, making posters and combing the beach. “If we can figure out a way of motivating residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle, short of going into their homes and doing it for them, then I’m all for it.”
The board also discussed possible recycling enforcement options through a village board ordinance.
Russo and Epstein suggested there was room for improvement on the village website to raise recycling awareness.
“It’s part public education and part procedures,” the mayor said, agreeing to the CRA proposal. “We’re always open to new information and options on the topic.”
Russo and Epstein said they were glad the board is open to exploring more options.
“Our goal is simple,” Russo said. “We want people to recycle more.”
