Under California Senate Bill 1383, residents and businesses in Monterey County must properly manage organic waste to reduce landfill methane emissions while recovering edible food for people in need. Local SB 1383 programs demonstrate how regional collaboration can turn this mandate into meaningful environmental and community benefits.

Preventing Organic Waste

Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce organic waste generation by:

• Planning meals and purchasing only what is needed
• Storing food properly to prevent spoilage
• Using leftovers creatively
• Composting food scraps as a last resort.

What can be composted?

All types of food scraps are accepted in the green, organics/yard waste bin with the exception of raw meat, oil and liquids. Please remove all packaging and ties.

Only businesses with commercial accounts (like restaurants and large cafeterias) are allowed to use BPI certified compostable bags. All residents must place their food scraps in the green organics cart without any man-made material.

As always, grass clipping, flowers, and vegetation clippings continue to be accepted in the green cart.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on ReGen’s website: regenmonterey.org/accepted-composting-items/. Carmel-by-the-Sea residents can also contact the hauler, Greenwaste Recovery, for sorting help. 

Environmental & Public Health Benefits

Keeping organic materials out of landfills helps:

• Prevent methane emissions that occur when organic materials decompose in landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change.
• Create nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health, supports local farms and landscaping, and helps build a circular local economy.
• Improve soil’s ability to retain water and store carbon, helping farms and landscapes become more resilient to drought and climate impacts.
• Reduce emissions that contribute to climate change
• Protect air and water quality
• Conserve landfill space for future generations

Edible Food Recovery

Certain businesses are required to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded to food recovery organizations. According to the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative, over 40 percent of Monterey County residents are food insecure. ReGen Monterey has resources that can connect food generating businesses with nonprofits that distribute food to residents in need including food pantries, senior meal delivery programs, homeless service providers, campus food hubs and food banks. Edible food recovery resources include:

• Careit Food Donation App – A free online marketplace that connects food donors such as restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, institutions and municipalities with nonprofits that recover food for people in need. Nonprofits can claim available food, coordinate pickup, and track donations through the app.
• View a list of local edible food recovery organizations
• Learn more about Edible Food Recovery Grants
• Visit CalRecycle to learn more SB 1383 requirements for food recovery organizations best Practice Guide for Food Recovery Organizations and Services

As part of the SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Program, a Grant Funding Opportunity, FY 25-26 may award a total of up to $100,000 to non-profit organizations or public entities that collect and distribute food to charities and those in need within the County of Monterey. The next grant funding cycle will take place in August 2026. 

FY25-26 Edible Food Recovery Grant awardees: CSUMB Basic Needs; YWCA Monterey County; All In Monterey County; Veterans Transition Center of California; Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula; St Mary’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church; and Gathering for Women.

Edible food recovery programs reduce food waste as well as help food insecure families. Check out Carmel’s Edible Food Recovery Contact List. 

ReGen Monterey’s Solid Waste Management System

The Monterey Regional Waste Management District, a California Special District now known as ReGen Monterey, provides solid waste facilities for processing, recycling and disposal services primarily for the Monterey Peninsula area and the western portion of the County of Monterey. For more information, see the Where Waste Travels White Paper Summary

• Where Waste Travels White Paper Summary

What recyclables are accepted in the blue cart?

Confused about what goes into your blue cart, green cart, or the trash? Download the What Goes Where app on the Apple Store. It works throughout Monterey County. You can also go to http://whatgoeswhere.info/

Download the Recycling Quick Guide for a rapid reference on what can be placed in your blue bin.

Additional Regional Recycling Resources

Many different recycling services are available through ReGen Monterey that operates the Landfill and Recycling Center in Marina. Residents can often drop off items, or contact Greenwaste Recovery to schedule pick-up. Programs include: 

• Last Chance Mercantile (Donations)
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
• Electronics Recycling
• Free Paint and Solvents
• Dead Battery Program – Prevent Landfill Fires
• Debris Boxes, Carpet Recycling, Curbside Collection

GreenWaste Recovery Franchise Agreement

The current Franchise Agreement between the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and GreenWaste Recovery can be found in the attachment below. It includes Amendment No. 1 and Resolution 2023-064.

GWR Carmel Franchise Agreement, Amendment 1, Resolution 2023-064