Eight years ago, when Go Green OC founder Josh Chamberlain first proposed a citywide composting program in Ocean City, the idea was met with more than a little skepticism. At the time, the concept seemed unrealistic to many. As Chamberlain later recalled, he was told not to “rock the boat” and was questioned about how someone with no prior waste management experience could revolutionize an entire system.
Fast forward to 2026, and that once-dismissed idea has evolved into an award-winning movement that is reshaping how Ocean City, MD, businesses think about waste, sustainability, and the local economy.
Today, Go Green OC is proving that sustainability is not only good for the environment, but it can also make strong economic sense for local businesses.
Recognizing a Movement: The 2026 Community Spirit Award
The impact of Go Green OC has not gone unnoticed.
This year, the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce honored the organization with the 2026 Community Spirit / Best Initiative Award, recognizing the group’s role in building a more sustainable and collaborative community.
In a statement following the award ceremony, the Go Green OC team reflected on the journey, saying: “Thank you to the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, those who nominated us, the Town of Ocean City, and our countless volunteers who have built Go Green OC into a movement. It was a beautiful evening to feel inspired and to reflect on what community truly means.”
Recognition like this signals an important shift for the region. Sustainability is no longer a fringe concept in Ocean City. It has become a shared value embraced by businesses, government leaders, and residents alike.
From One Restaurant to 1.3 Million Pounds
What started as a small pilot program has grown into one of the Eastern Shore’s most impactful sustainability initiatives.
When Go Green OC launched its compost pilot program in 2018, it diverted just 1,980 pounds of food waste from a single restaurant. Today, the organization has helped divert more than 1.3 million pounds of food waste from out-of-state incinerators and landfills.
In 2025 alone, the program diverted 305,000 pounds of food waste, and participation continues to grow. Local businesses leading the effort include The Hobbit, Seacrets, Dough Roller, Fish Tales, Higgins Crab House (North & South locations), Mother’s Cantina, and many more.
Even more impressive is the program’s 100 percent retention rate, meaning every participating business returned the following season.
How Composting Saves Ocean City, Maryland Businesses Money
One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability is that it increases costs. In reality, commercial composting often saves businesses money.
By separating food waste from traditional trash, businesses reduce the volume of heavy waste sent to incinerators or landfills. Because those disposal methods carry high tipping fees, composting can significantly lower overall waste management costs.
For many Ocean City businesses, the economic advantages are clear. Instead of sending money to out-of-state waste facilities, those dollars stay within the region through partnerships with local operators like Ocean Compost LLC.
As compost collection and processing expand, so do employment opportunities in the region. For economic development leaders, initiatives like this strengthen the long-term resilience of the local economy.
Expanding Beyond Restaurants: Festivals, Events, and Tourism
Go Green OC’s work now extends far beyond restaurant kitchens. Major tourism events and convention activities are increasingly integrating composting and waste diversion strategies.
At the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, composting programs and compostable dining ware are helping reduce the environmental footprint of large gatherings. In 2024 alone, the convention center diverted over 100 bins of compostable materials.
Large festivals have also adopted sustainable waste management strategies. Events like Oceans Calling Festival and OC Rock & Ride generate enormous economic impact for Ocean City, MD and Go Green OC is helping ensure those crowds do not come at the expense of the environment.
These efforts position Ocean City, MD as a destination for eco-conscious tourism and corporate events, an increasingly important advantage in today’s travel market.
Advocating for Local Businesses in Annapolis
Go Green OC is also helping shape the future of sustainability policy in Maryland. Founder Josh Chamberlain has become an advocate for legislation designed to support composting infrastructure and waste reduction programs across the state.
Policies such as the Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Fund help direct grant funding to small businesses and compost operators. These investments allow communities like Worcester County, Maryland to expand green infrastructure while strengthening local economies.
Investing in the Next Generation
Economic development is not just about supporting today’s businesses. It is also about cultivating tomorrow’s leaders.
To support future innovators, Go Green OC is launching a $1,500 Sustainability Scholarship for 2026. The scholarship will support students who are passionate about environmental stewardship and community sustainability. Applications will be accepted from April through August 2026.
By investing in young leaders, the organization is helping ensure Worcester County remains a place where innovative ideas can take root and grow.
The Entrepreneurial Lesson
Behind the success of Go Green OC is a lesson that resonates with entrepreneurs everywhere.
Building something new often requires challenging the status quo. Reflecting on the journey, Chamberlain shared advice for anyone with a big idea: “Every organization I approached had their own agendas. I was told not to rock the boat. I was warned I might burn bridges. But sometimes in life, you have to shake things up. Go after what you believe in. Don’t put your dreams aside because of what people might think. Just do it.”
It is the same mindset that drives innovation throughout Worcester County’s business community.
A Sustainable Future for Worcester County
Ocean City has long been known as one of the East Coast’s most beloved beach destinations. Today, it is also emerging as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible business practices.
By reducing business costs, keeping capital local, creating jobs, and strengthening the region’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination, Go Green OC is helping build a stronger and more resilient local economy.
To learn more about starting or growing a sustainable business in Worcester County, MD, contact Worcester County Economic Development.
