Commercial Waste Diversion Program
A free service offered to businesses in the unincorporated area to assist in implementing or improving existing recycling programs. We provide information and resources to help your business save money on your garbage bill by reducing waste. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment for a free waste assessment.

Commercial Recycling Guide
Our new Commercial Recycling Guide is chock full of ways to recycle many of the types of materials your business or organization generates.  The guide also offers ways to get rid of and recycle hazardous wastes generated by your business.  For additional information, please contact Contact us.

Countywide Used Motor Oil and Filter Recycling Program
Since 1994, Monterey County has coordinated a Countywide Used Motor Oil and Filter Recycling Program. Today this program includes more than 47 residential, agricultural and marina (Monterey, Moss Landing, and Santa Cruz) used oil & filter collection centers. Residential curbside collection of used oil and filters is available in the 12 cities and in the unincorporated county. For a list of drop-off centers, click here or for a free used motor oil recycling container & filter bag and more information about used oil recycling, please call your garbage & recycling hauler or Contact us.

AB 939, Waste Diversion Mandate
Assembly Bill (AB) 939 mandates all California Cities and Counties (Public Resources Code, 44000) to reduce waste disposal by 50% from 1990 levels. The Environmental Health Division is responsible for assisting the unincorporated County to meet and exceed the 50% goal. Currently, the diversion rate for the unincorporated county is 58%.

Mandatory Garbage (MG) Collection Ordinance
Monterey County Ordinance Title 10, Chapter 10.41.030, requires all residents and businesses to subscribe to weekly trash service. An exemption from mandatory garbage service may be granted in some circumstances. Consult the ordinance for information on exemption criteria. Please use the following links to download the Mandatory Garbage Exemption Application in English or Spanish.

Central Coast Recycling Market Development Zone (CCRMDZ)
The CCRMDZ program provides attractive, low interest rate loans, technical assistance and free product marketing to businesses located in the Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo Cities and Counties, that use materials from the waste stream to manufacture their products. For additional information or for Zone information in other areas, please visit the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s RMDZ website or Contact us.

Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program
This program is designed to promote businesses that meet or exceed environmental standards. Businesses are certified “Green” by meeting program criteria for conserving resources, preventing pollution, minimizing waste and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Motivated businesses and agencies are offered an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance. For more information please Contact Us.

Special Events Recycling
In 2004 Governor Schwarzenegger signed Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004 (Montañez, Assembly Bill [AB] 2176) into law. AB 2176 is intended to increase opportunities for recycling and divert from landfills the waste materials generated by the largest events and venues in California. Monterey County Recycling Services staff work with event promoters and the Monterey County Parks Department to implement recycling and waste reduction programs at special events. Recycling is coordinated year-round for events in the unincorporated areas of the County. If you would like assistance with special event recycling, please Contact us.

Public Outreach & Education
Recycling Services staff attends community events such as the Monterey County Fair, local car shows, and Business/Chamber of Commerce Expos to promote waste reduction and resource recovery activities. This program also develops informational television, radio and print media advertisements. Educational materials are available upon request, including videos, posters, brochures, etc. Please Contact us to obtain these materials.

Reuse, Repair & Recycle Directory
Looking for a thrift store or recycling buy-back center.  This directory contains a listing of local businesses and organizations that participate in and/or provide reuse, repair or recycling services.

County Buildings Recycling
This program offers free assistance in implementing recycling programs or improving an existing program in all County facilities. The program provides free technical assistance and information to help reuse, recycle and save resources in your County office. For more information or to schedule a free waste assessment, please Contact us. For a list of department/building recycling contacts, click here.