Composting
By composting, we keep organics (yard trimmings and food scraps) out of landfills and preserve our top soils. The benefits of compost include building healthy soil, conserving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving money. We also help our cities and county meet the requirements of state mandated waste reduction and recycling laws, including SB1383, AB 939, AB341, and SB1826.
The District offers several compost programs to the community: green waste, commercial food scrap, and home composting.
ReGen Monterey has a very successful green waste composting program onsite. Keith Day Company, the onsite compost operator, turns approximately 130,000 tons of yard trimmings and food waste each year into a compost, some of which is a registered organic input material used by certified organic farmers. 100% of the finished product is used in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, mainly in the agriculture and landscaping sectors.
Food Scrap Composting
Beginning January 1, 2022 residents can add accepted food scraps to their green curbside cart. Food scrap collection is part of the implementation of California’s SB 1383 legislation addressing climate pollutants and wasted food. We look forward to supporting everyone’s participation and success. Please check out the acceptance list for what you can put into the cart with your yard trimmings – including trimmings from your produce, the inedible parts of food e.g. shells and bones, plate scrapings, spoiled food; all but raw meat and liquids including oils. Please do not put plastic, paper or biodegradable/compostable bags into your green cart – only organic materials.
ReGen Monterey’s commercial compost program serves commercial customers including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and a range of special events. Participation in the program ensures local businesses meet the requirements of AB1826 and SB 1383, the state’s new organics recycling laws. If you are a commercial business and wish to start composting food scraps, please contact your waste and recycling service provider to discuss collection service.
The commercial compost program accepts compostable packaging (cups, plates, cutlery, bags) that have received Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification. For a list of products that carry this certification, please visit BPI’s website.
If you wish to divert food scraps from a special event, it is important to assure that all event vendors use certified compostable products and, if bagged, certified compostable bags. If you will be delivering the material yourself (self hauling), bring a completed Food Scrap Compost Guidelines Form to submit at the ReGen Monterey scales upon delivery. You will then be directed to the food scrap compost receiving area to unload your material.
Special Event Collection Containers for Compost and Recycling
Based upon availability, ReGen Monterey loans special event collection containers for organics and recyclables to local organizations within our service area. Complete a request form, and/or contact ReGen Monterey staff for additional information on compost collection at your event.
Need more compost then you can produce? You can purchase finished compost and other landscape products at ReGen Monterey.
*MRWMD Service Area Includes the following jurisdictions:
Moss Landing, Castroville, Marina, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Sand City, Monterey, Monterey-Salinas Highway area, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Unincorporated Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel Highlands, & Big Sur
Links
Staff Contacts
Administrative Support
831-264-6388
Public Education
831-264-6391
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.