Monterey, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

City Code § 14-2(3)(d) requires a commercial business to provide containers for source separated recyclable materials and source separated organic materials in every indoor and outdoor area where it puts out a trash container for customers, so the two options sit side by side with the solid waste bin. Restrooms are excused from the pairing requirement. A business that generates none of a particular material stream does not have to add that container type. 9(b), incorporated by the section, new containers must carry either body-and-lid colors matching the City's recyclable, organic and solid waste color scheme, or clear text or graphic labeling showing what belongs and what does not; that labeling and color duty applies to containers purchased on or after January 1, 2022.

A business is not forced to replace a functional container bought before that date until the container reaches the end of its useful life, or January 1, 2036, whichever comes first. This commercial container rule sits alongside the residential three-container subscription duty in § 14-2(1) and the de minimis and physical-space waivers available under § 14-2(4) through (6) for businesses genuinely unable to comply.