The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
- Robert Swan, International Antarctic Expedition

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The City of Monterey Sustainability Office works to promote environmental and human health through waste reduction and recycling programs, energy efficiency strategies and climate action planning. Protecting the environment is a City of Monterey value driver and part of our mission to ensure a safe, healthy, historic, economically vibrant and sustainable environment. Sustainability Office accomplishments include:

• Requiring all disposable food service ware distributed in Monterey to be recyclable or compostable as of 2019
• Receiving a Clean Air Leader Award from the Monterey Bay Air Resources District in 2018 for demonstrating leadership in working toward improved outdoor air quality in the City
• Receiving four Beacon Spotlight Awards in 2017 for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, energy savings and sustainable practices in the Monterey region
• Leading the initiative for the City to join Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)
• Developing the City's first Climate Action Plan in 2015
• Implementing a commercial food waste diversion program in 2012
  

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Food Scrap Collection Program - Effective January 1, 2022
Residents can now add accepted food scraps to their green curbside cart. Food scrap collection is part of the implementation of California’s legislation (SB 1383) addressing climate pollutants and wasted food.