The State of California has recently expanded their definitions of Hazardous a Universal Wastes.  Items that fall under these categories are unlawful to dispose of in the normal waste stream.  The Monterey Regional Waste Management District (MRWMD), where the refuse collected in Monterey is disposed, has provided this document (click here) explaining some of the non-acceptable items.  Some of these items may be hauled to the MRWMD directly; however it is illegal to place them in the normal waste stream.  Please refer to their web site or call them for more information at (831) 384-5313.  More information regarding hazardous and universal waste can be found on the City of Monterey's web site at this link.