diff --git a/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_behaviors.dm b/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_behaviors.dm
index be386a3b692..38a0fc9fd54 100644
--- a/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_behaviors.dm
+++ b/code/datums/ai/monkey/monkey_behaviors.dm
@@ -277,7 +277,8 @@
 	var/mob/living/living_pawn = controller.pawn
 	var/datum/weakref/target_ref = controller.blackboard[attack_target_key]
 	var/mob/living/target = target_ref?.resolve()
-	var/obj/machinery/disposal/disposal = controller.blackboard[disposal_target_key]
+	var/datum/weakref/disposal_ref = controller.blackboard[disposal_target_key]
+	var/obj/machinery/disposal/disposal = disposal_ref?.resolve()
 
 	controller.blackboard[BB_MONKEY_DISPOSING] = TRUE