Monterey County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Monterey County Code § 10.41.030
- Minimum frequency
- At least once per week
- Scope
- Unincorporated Monterey County only
- Opt-out
- Not allowed once area is designated
- Exemptions
- Vacant land, full recycling, unsafe driveway access
- Exemption renewal
- Annual reapplication, Health Director approval
Summary
Monterey County Code § 10.41.030 requires permittees and franchisees to collect solid waste from every occupied residence, apartment and business in a designated mandatory collection area at least once a week, whether or not the property owner requested the service. Residents in those areas must pay the rates the Board of Supervisors sets; the rule applies only in unincorporated Monterey County.
10.41.030 - Mandatory collection. A.Collection Required. Permittees and franchisees shall collect all solid waste generated from all stores, shops, offices, restaurants, hospitals and commercial or industrial establishments and all residential properties designated or specified in this Chapter or by resolution of the Board establishing mandatory residential collection services, regardless of whether or not these services were requested by the affected property owner, tenant or person having possession or control of the real property. All solid waste shall be collected from every occupied residence, apartment, or business as designated pursuant to this Subsection at least once a week. B.Payment. Residents within mandatory areas designated pursuant to Subsection A and owners of commercial and industrial businesses or the property owners of the property within the designated residential areas or the property on which such businesses are located shall pay the rates established by the Board.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
030 binds only properties outside Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove and King City. 030(A) requires the permittee or franchisee holding that route to collect solid waste at least once a week from every occupied residence, apartment or business, regardless of whether the owner or tenant actually asked for the service; a resident cannot opt out simply by declining to sign up. 030(B) makes the property owner or resident responsible for paying the collection rate the Board sets by resolution. 030(C): a property can skip mandatory service if it is undeveloped or vacant, if all of its solid waste is recycled or composted, or if a long, narrow or steep driveway keeps the franchisee's truck from safely reaching it, but only if the owner applies for the exemption every year and the Director of Health approves it.
The Director of Health can also send an inspector to re-check an exempted property, and if solid waste turns up or the property no longer qualifies, regular collection resumes immediately at the owner's expense. 150.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 10.41 sets no separate fine for skipping mandatory service, so a violation of § 10.41.030 defaults to the County's general penalty at Monterey County Code § 1.20.040(B)(1): a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in county jail, or both. An owner who lets solid waste accumulate instead of paying for service can also be cited separately for unlawful accumulation under § 10.41.020(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse trash pickup in unincorporated Monterey County to save money?
How often is trash collected in the unincorporated county?
My driveway is too steep for the garbage truck. Can I get out of mandatory service?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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