Monterey County residents are required to compost food scraps under California’s SB 1383 climate law, designed to reduce food waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, preserve landfill space, and support a circular economy.
By placing food scraps in your green curbside cart, you’re helping ReGen Monterey transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost that’s put to use in local farms, landscaping, and community projects.
To meet the food safety requirements of local farms, ReGen Monterey only accepts loose food scraps and yard trimmings in your green organics cart. That means no plastic bags, compostable or biodegradable bags or foodware, liquids, raw meat, or other non-organic materials. Keeping your cart clean helps us create safe, high-quality compost for local agriculture and community use.
Here’s how to keep composting clean and simple:
Choose the right container.
Use a kitchen pail, repurpose a milk jug, or try a small bowl with a lid. Glass or metal containers are ideal—they don’t absorb odors and are easy to clean.
2. Empty regularly.
If possible, empty your container into the green cart every few days. Can’t do it right away? Store scraps in a sealed container or bag in the fridge or freezer to reduce smells.
3. Layer with yard trimmings.
Place dry material like leaves, pine needles, wood shavings, or straw at the bottom of your green cart and on top of food scraps. This helps absorb moisture and cuts odors.
4. Freeze or cover scraps.
If your cart gets smelly, moldy, or attracts pests, freeze scraps and add them the night before pickup. Always keep the lid closed and use yard trimmings as a natural cover.
Need help? Contact your curbside service provider for tips or additional support.
