Waste Reduction Programs

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Beginning January 1, 2022 residents can add accepted food scraps to their green curbside cart! Residents in multifamily residences can participate in food scrap collection too. Ask your property manager about the new collection – where the cart will be and when they will have it on site. Beginning January 1st, 2024 all residents and businesses must comply, or risk a financial penalty.

Food scrap collection is part of the implementation of California’s legislation (SB 1383) addressing climate pollutants and wasted food.

What food scraps are accepted in the green cart?

All unpackaged food scraps are accepted with the exception of raw meat, oil and liquids. This includes the inedible parts of food, food scraps, spoiled food and trimmings from food preparation. Please remove all packaging, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal and recycle what you can. Reuse the twist ties and the rubber bands, but please don’t put them in the green cart. They can contaminate the end product, compost.

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: https://regenmonterey.org/accepted-composting-items/

Edible Food Recovery Programs

Grant Funding Opportunity FY 25/26

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 FY 2025/2026 grant application closed on October 15, 2025. Stay tuned for the announcement of the grant recipients.

Edible food recovery programs reduce food waste as well as help food insecure families. You can donate edible food to the following organizations:

Please refer to the organizations’ websites or contact them directly for more information on accepted donations and any specified collection days. Or 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

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: 

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