Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean more stuff, more waste, or more work. Make it easy on yourself by setting up a few “lazy-friendly” habits: reuse backpacks, lunch containers, and school supplies from last year before buying new, keep a grab-and-go bin stocked with reusable lunch items, and pack snacks in washable containers instead of single-use bags. Designate one spot for reusable water bottles and lunchboxes so they’re easy to find each morning. A few simple systems now can save time all year—and help reduce waste along the way!

Join us for a hands-on composting workshop where you’ll learn the basics, meet your neighbors, and head home with a free compost system to get started.

We’re also giving away free compost for your garden—so bring a shovel, buckets, or even a truck to load up!

We are so excited to kick off our Youth Council 2026-2027 program!

So far, we have completed two trainings with our 17 Youth Council members and we are so thrilled with these engaged and curious group of young leaders!

Stay tuned for the great things to come from our Youth Council during the 2026-2027 school year!

ReGen Monterey and Salinas Valley Recycles are excited to announce the renewal of their Edible Food Recovery Grant Program. The SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Program – Grant Funding Opportunity, FY 26-27 intends to award a total of up to $100,000 to non-profit organizations, businesses, or public entities that collect, generate, and distribute food to those in need within the County of Monterey.

This funding opportunity is intended to support California Senate Bill 1383 – Short Lived Climate Pollutants, which mandates a 75% reduction in landfilled organic waste and a minimum of 20% of currently disposed food recovered for human consumption. Ultimately, we aim to reduce the amount of edible food that ends up in landfills while redirecting that food for the good of our local communities. Our agencies cannot wait to see the good generated from this funding, and we look forward to reading through the community’s submissions.

Application Period: August 2026 – October 15, 2026 (10/15/2026)

Main Office

126 Sun St

Salinas, CA 93901

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

(831) 775-3000 

info@svswa.org