Cannabis has become a booming industry, and like any industry, it creates waste. While cannabis businesses may not be generating hazardous waste, they must still be careful about how they dispose of leftover materials.
Cannabis growers and dispensaries must practice safe, sustainable, and legal waste disposal methods. While it might sound like a lot of work, it pays off in terms of sustainability and your bottom line. Here’s how to reduce waste in your cannabis business.
What’s So Special About Cannabis Waste?
Cannabis waste isn’t ordinary trash. It consists of any material that has encountered the plant, including packaging, tools, and even the soil it grows in. This type of waste can’t simply be tossed into a landfill. As a controlled substance, cannabis waste falls under state and federal regulations. Responsible cannabis growers know they must study cannabis waste disposal. With that in mind, here are a few key strategies to minimize and thoroughly dispose of cannabis waste.
Proper Composting
Farming and composting go hand in hand. Composting organic waste is an ideal way to manage plant trimmings, seeds, leaves, and other parts of the plant. Grinding up and composting cannabis waste contributes to healthy, nutrient-rich soil for cannabis plants to grow in. It also keeps unnecessary waste out of public landfills, leaving room for other trash and preserving natural resources.
Better Packaging
Cannabis businesses depend on excellent marketing, including eye-catching package designs. Unfortunately, packaging has become a sizable source of trash for the cannabis world. Select sustainable packaging for cannabis products that uses fewer resources without compromising consumer safety or product integrity. For example, you could opt for recyclable materials such as paper and glass.
Managing Inventory
Stay on top of product quantity to avoid producing more than you can sell. Keep track of expiration dates, and work to extend shelf life where possible. Serious inventory management helps track products’ quantities, life cycles, and more, reducing waste overall.
Finding the Right Waste Disposal Partner
As mentioned, cannabis waste can’t simply be bagged and left out for the weekly pickup. Improper waste disposal can lead to legal repercussions, fines, and more. Make waste disposal easier, and adhere to government regulations by partnering with a reputable and credentialed waste disposal company. They know how to handle cannabis waste in compliance with the law.
Training Your Team
Make sure employees understand the special nature of cannabis waste. Train them in waste reduction processes, and empower them to suggest new, sustainable ways to dispose of waste, diminish energy consumption, and engage in proper recycling.
These are just a few ways to reduce waste in your cannabis business. Adopt these strategies and tips to reduce your carbon footprint, save on supplies, and follow the law!
