Recycling Requirements: Monterey vs Salinas
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey and Salinas have similar restriction levels.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Recycling is mandatory in unincorporated Monterey County. Every single-family dwelling must have recyclables collection service alongside trash and organics under the Unified Franchise Agreement, and California's commercial recycling laws (AB 341) require businesses and multi-family complexes to recycle as well.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas requires residential recycling of accepted materials. Contamination with non-recyclables may cause entire bins to be rejected at the curb.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Residential requirement | Every single-family dwelling must have recyclables collection (franchise agreement) | - |
| System | Three carts: trash, recyclables, organics | - |
| Commercial/multi-family | AB 341 requires recycling for qualifying businesses and 5+ unit complexes | - |
| Accepted materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, plastics #1-7 (no foam EPS), per facility | - |
| Compliance checks | Hauler performs annual reviews of commercial/multi-family customers | - |
| Oversight | Monterey County and CalRecycle under state law | - |
| Accepted | - | Paper, glass, aluminum, plastics |
| Not Accepted | - | Plastic bags, food waste |
| Enforcement | - | Contaminated bins skipped |
| Topic | - | Recycling Requirements |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Is recycling required in unincorporated Monterey County?
Yes. Under the Unified Franchise Agreement, every single-family dwelling must have recyclables collection along with trash and organics. State law (AB 341) also requires qualifying businesses and multi-family complexes of five or more units to recycle.
What can go in my recycling cart?
Generally paper and cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1-7 except foam polystyrene - kept loose and reasonably clean, not bagged. The exact list depends on what the regional processing facilities accept, so follow your hauler's local guidelines.
Salinas FAQ
What can I recycle curbside?
Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastics #1-#5. No plastic bags or food-soiled items.
What if my recycling bin is skipped?
Likely contaminated. Remove non-recyclables and set out on next collection day.
Compare other topics
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