Your Monrovia Guide To Organics Recycling

Not sure what belongs in Monrovia’s green organics cart? You are not alone, and getting it right makes a real impact. With simple habits, you can reduce landfill waste, keep carts cleaner, and even bring finished compost back to your garden. This guide walks you through what goes where, pickup basics, multi-family rules, and where to find local compost giveaways. Let’s dive in.

Why organics recycling matters in Monrovia

California’s SB 1383 set statewide targets to cut organic waste and recover more edible food. Monrovia’s program is how the city meets those rules and helps you recycle food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings in the green cart. You can learn more about the city’s program on Monrovia’s SB 1383 page, which explains local requirements and contacts for help (City of Monrovia SB 1383).

Jurisdiction enforcement of SB 1383 programs began in 2024, which shapes local outreach and inspections for businesses and multi-family sites (CalRecycle enforcement overview). Monrovia’s exclusive hauler is Athens Services, which operates a closed-loop program with the city. Organics collected here are processed at Athens’ American Organics facility and returned to the community as compost and mulch, often through local giveaways (Monrovia Athens trash services; Athens community events).

What goes in your green cart

Athens accepts a wide range of food and yard materials for Monrovia’s curbside organics program. Per Athens’ guidance for Monrovia, you can place these items in your green cart (Athens Monrovia services):

• Yard trimmings: leaves, grass clippings, small branches.
• Food scraps: fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, meat, dairy, and bones.
• Food-soiled paper: pizza boxes, used napkins, and uncoated paper takeout containers.

Keep these out of the green cart

• Any plastic, including bags, wrap, and utensils, even if labeled compostable or biodegradable.
• Most bioplastics and “compostable” plastic products, which are common contamination and often not accepted by local processors. Use paper bags, wrap scraps in paper, or place items loose in the cart (why to avoid compostable plastics).

Set up service and your collection day

All Monrovia residents and businesses are required to use organics recycling service. Athens delivered new green carts to multi-family properties and began service in 2023 as the program rolled out citywide (multi-family rollout news).

Find your pickup day

Check your address on Athens’ Monrovia resources to confirm your collection schedule. Put carts out the night before or no later than 6:00 a.m. on pickup day so you do not miss service.

Make kitchen collection easy

• Use a small countertop pail or any lidded container to collect daily scraps. Monrovia has offered free countertop pails at times, so check city news for availability (free pail announcement).
• Line your pail with paper towels, newspaper, or paper bags, then empty into the green cart. Avoid plastic liners. If you use a plastic bag to carry scraps, empty the contents into the cart and put the bag in the trash.
• To reduce odor, freeze high‑moisture items like meat and dairy until collection day, keep the cart lid closed, and mix wet scraps with dry yard trimmings.

Multi-family and property managers

If you manage a building with 5 or more units, provide organics service and clear education for residents. Good practices include labeling carts, posting simple “what goes where” guides, scheduling periodic bin cleaning, and hosting quick reminders in lobby or email updates. Coordinate with Athens and Monrovia Public Works for service levels, signage, and compliance support (City of Monrovia SB 1383; Monrovia Athens trash services).

Where your scraps go and how to get compost

Athens transports Monrovia’s organics to its American Organics facility, where material is turned into OMRI-listed compost and mulch. Monrovia residents can often pick up the finished product at free community events. Check Athens’ events calendar for the latest compost and mulch giveaway dates and details (Athens community events).

Quick troubleshooting tips

• Odors or flies: freeze meat and dairy until pickup day, keep lids closed, and rinse carts occasionally. A sprinkle of baking soda can help.
• Messy carts: wrap wet food in paper or layer with leaves and dry yard trimmings.
• Unsure about liners: stick with paper or go liner-free, and keep all plastic out of the green cart.

Ready to feel at home in Monrovia and make the most of local programs? For calm, comprehensive guidance on buying or selling, and neighborhood insights that make daily life easier, reach out to The Kinkade Group. We are here to help you move with confidence.

FAQs

What can I put in Monrovia’s green organics cart?

• Yard trimmings, food scraps including meat, dairy, and bones, and food-soiled paper such as napkins, pizza boxes, and uncoated paper takeout containers.

Are compostable plastic bags allowed in Monrovia’s green bin?

• No, keep plastic and most compostable bioplastics out of the green cart; use paper liners or place scraps loose in the cart.

What time should I set my green cart out for pickup?

• Place carts out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day to ensure service is not missed.

Can I put meat and dairy in the green bin in Monrovia?

• Yes, Athens accepts meat, bones, and dairy in the curbside organics program, which are processed at an industrial composting facility.

How is SB 1383 enforced for businesses and apartments in Monrovia?

• The city conducts outreach and inspections, with education first and potential penalties for ongoing noncompliance, in line with statewide SB 1383 enforcement that began in 2024.