Organics Recycling 

Acceptable Recycling List

Monterey Regional Waste Management District Materials Recovery Facility

For a complete list of material that can be recycled at the District click here

Recycling Drop-Off 
The MRWMD recycling drop off area provides large bins for clean paper, cardboard, glass, metal (appliances must go across scales and to the MRF) and specific plastics (#1-#5 containers and rigid plastic). It is located on your way to the Last Chance Mercantile. 

Electronic Waste Recycling 
It is against the law to dispose of electronic waste in the trash. They are accepted free of charge for recycling at the Last Chance Mercantile donation tent. 

Buy Back Center 
Located behind the Last Chance Mercantile, the District’s Buy Back Center for CRV Beverage Containers will give you cash for your “CRV” beverage containers Monday-Saturday. 

Residents can also donate their recyclables and/or redeem their beverage containers for money at a certified recycling center. Find a Recycling Center near you 

Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 percent of what we throw away, and can be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills.

The current waste hauler does not offer residential composting pick up, but you can compost at home!

Benefits of Composting

• Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. 
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. 
• Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material. Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

How to Compost at Home

The best way to compost food waste is to mix it with dry leaves, sticks and twigs, wood chips, sawdust, dried/dead plants, shredded newspaper, or paper from a home shredder, and mixed yard waste. Always cover fresh material with a layer of wood chips and a dusting of dirt, or with unscreened, mature compost. A compost pile in your backyard will have lots of microbes taking up residence. Keep in mind that the microbes need oxygen, water, and food; the same things we need to survive. If the pile gets too wet or dense with food scraps, it will smell bad and composting will slow down or stop altogether.

For more information on home composting see:

• EPA information on home composting
• CalRecycle information on home composting

One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, tools, or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you'll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools, and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, working electronics, and unneeded furniture.

Reusable good can be dropped off at MRWMD Last Chance Mercantile or use The Office of the Attorney General Charity Search to find information on nonprofit organizations located or doing business in California which are federally recognized tax exempt organizations.