Monterey, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

City Code § 14-2(1)(b) requires single-family, multifamily and commercial responsible parties alike to place source separated organic materials, including food waste, into the organic materials container, keep recyclable materials and solid waste in their own containers, and never place prohibited contaminants into any of the three streams or shift organics-designated material back into the trash container. 'Organic materials' is defined in § 14-1 to include yard trimmings, food scraps and food-soiled paper, and 'food waste' covers items like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, bones, rice and bread while excluding liquid soups and sauces.

Multifamily and commercial properties must also supply labeled, accessible organics containers, train employees and tenants annually, and give new tenants sorting information within 14 days of move-in. Commercial businesses must inspect their containers for contamination at least quarterly. The City ran an education-only period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023 before civil penalties for noncompliance began on January 1, 2024, under § 14-8(8)-(9). Nothing in the rule forces a resident onto the City bin exclusively: § 14-2(1)(c) allows a responsible party to manage organic waste on site or through a permitted community composting site instead.