A: A roll-off container is 50% less if used for recycling wood waste.  Call MCDS at 831.372.7977 to rent a container.

Q: I cleaned my garage and have lots of paint cans and hazardous waste, do I put this in the trash?

A: NO - It is against the law to place hazardous waste in any trashcan.  If you have car oil or water-based paint, contact MCDS for a special pick up.  All oil-based paints, insecticides and herbicides, etc. can be taken to the Monterey Regional Waste Management District in Marina.  There is no charge for this service.  Call 831.384.5313 for more information.

Q: Where do I put my fluorescent bulbs?

A: Fluorescent bulbs are a hazardous waste.  Take bulbs and fixtures to the Household Hazardous Waste drop off station at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District.  Call 831.384.5313 for more information.

Q: My neighbor puts plastic and garbage in his yardwaste container, is that OK?

A: If plastic bags or garbage get into the yardwaste load, it will contaminate several tons of good recyclable material.  Keep plastic, concrete, palm fronds, cactus, animal waste and garbage out of the container.  Have your neighbor read this or have them call MCDS at 831.372.7977 for more education.

Q: Isn't kitty litter recyclable?

A: Animal waste must be bagged and placed in the garbage container.  Never put animal waste in with the yardwaste container or any composting container.

Q: What is composting or vermicomposting?

A: Composting is a natural breakdown of food and yard trimmings by worms and microorganisms that are naturally in the soil.  Composting is fun and the result rewarding.  With little or no upkeep, you can turn your food and yard trimmings into highly nutritious soil.  Vermicomposting is the digestion of food trimmings by a specific type of worm.  The result of this is another highly nutritious material called worm castings.  For more information, please call Heide Feldman at the MRWMD 831.384.5313 or Angela Brantley at the City of Monterey, 831.646.5662. More on Composting