.png?ver=bP2oycXRZ0H9MHkbYoRA2g%3d%3d)
Combat Climate Change
Organics like food scraps and yard trimmings make up a third of what Californians dump in landfills. Organic material in landfills emits 20% of California’s methane, which is a highly potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change. One of the most effective ways you can have a positive impact on our climate is to help keep organic materials out of the landfill – simply by using your curbside collection services.
Help Make Healthy Compost
Food scraps and yard trimmings collected in curbside green bins are turned into mulch and compost. Compost created from local organic materials is cycled back into our farms, parks and landscapes. Keeping plastic, glass and other trash items out of the organics bin is important to ensures high quality compost.
Curbside Organics Collection Services
Sorting It Out
Take a moment to separate organics, recycling, and trash. Whether you are at work, a café, school, or at a local event, you might see a three-bin sorting station. Separate your recycling and organics according to the signs–even small actions like tossing a banana peel in the organics cart makes a difference!
What Goes in the Green Bin?
✔️ Accepted
- 🍎 Fruits
- 🥕 Vegetables
- 🌾 Grains
- 🍞 Bread
- 🧀 Dairy
- 🍗 Cooked Meats
- 🦴 Bones + Shells
- ☕ Coffee + Filters
- 🌿 Yard Trimmings
- 🌳 Branches
- 🪵 Sawdust
- 🪚 Unpainted/Untreated Wood Waste
(Not accepted in City of Watsonville)
❌ Not Accepted
- 🥩 Raw Meat
- 🌿 Poison Oak
- 🧱 Treated Wood
- 🛢️ Oil + Grease
- 💧 Liquids
- 🌱 Soil
- ☣️ Hazardous Waste
- 🗑️ Garbage
- ♻️ Recyclables
- 🛍️ Bio-Bags
- 🛍️ Plastic Bags
- 📦 Food Packaging
How to Keep Your Green Cart Fresh
🌙 Night Before is Best
Put food waste into the cart the night before your weekly pickup to reduce smells.
❄️ Freeze or Refrigerate
Store food scraps in your fridge or freezer if you have room to delay odors.
🚫 No Liquids or Raw Meat
These belong in the trash, not your green cart.
🍂 Layer Like a Pro
Alternate food scraps with dry yard waste like leaves, straw, or wood shavings.
🚿 Rinse Thoughtfully
Rinse your cart and pour water onto landscaping—not down the storm drain.
🧂 Neutralize Smells
Sprinkle baking soda inside the cart to reduce odors naturally.
Prevent Waste
Reducing the organic waste we generate is the most effective way to keep it out of the landfill, and requires less resources--and is the best way to help the climate, and your food budget. Check these tips to prevent wasted food.
Opting for native drought-resistant landscaping can reduce plant waste, save water, and create a natural habitat for local birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Check these resources for Monterey Bay-Friendly landscaping.