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.

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 at https://www.mrwmd.org/composting/faqs/

Edible Food Recovery Programs

Grant Funding Opportunity FY 24/25

As part of the SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Program, a Grant Funding Opportunity, FY 24/25 is available to award a total of up to $90,000 to non-profit organizations, businesses, or public entities that collect, generate, and distribute food to those in need and charities within the County of Monterey.

Applicants must operate within the service areas of Salinas Valley Recycles or ReGen Monterey. The award will strengthen current food rescue programs in order to better comply with California edible food waste recovery laws. Proposal applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on October 31, 2024. For more information, please see the information below:

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. 

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 western portion of the County of Monterey. ReGen Monterey’s stated mission is “doing more to waste less.” The vast majority of solid waste produced in Monterey County is managed within the county – mostly at facilities operated by ReGen Monterey.  For more information, please 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 or Google Play. 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

More regional recycling services are available through the Monterey Regional Waste Management District (MRWMD) that operates the Monterey Peninsula landfill in Marina.  Programs include: 

Household Hazardous Waste Information

It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the trash, storm drains, or sewer. Hazardous and other prohibited materials can be dropped off at the MRWMD Household Hazardous Waste Facility, from residents and small businesses (CESQGs).

This brochure provides details on hazardous materials accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility:

Household Hazardous Waste Brochure

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