Cannabis waste management may not be the most glamorous aspect of running a cannabis business, but it’s an essential one.
Not only is proper waste disposal a legal requirement, it’s also crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. Choosing the right cannabis waste management company can be the difference between compliance and costly fines, environmental responsibility and a negative impact, and success and failure for your business.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right cannabis waste management partner for your business:
- Cannabis waste disposal expertise is important.
- A cannabis waste management company should offer a range of services.
- Your cannabis waste will be securely handled.
- Sustainability is a company value.
Expertise In Cannabis Waste Disposal
There are many types of waste, and each waste has its own set of local, state and federal regulations that must be followed during disposal. Even within the cannabis industry, there are several types of waste, including plant waste, manufacturing waste, packaging waste, contaminated soil, laboratory waste and electronic waste.
Despite the legalization of cannabis in California, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 Federally Controlled Substance. This makes the disposal of cannabis waste products a more complex challenge since hazardous cannabis waste is categorized differently than non-hazardous cannabis waste and traditional hazardous waste.
Currently, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates all commercial cannabis activity in California, including:
- Growing cannabis plants
- Manufacturing of cannabis products
- Secure transportation and tracking of cannabis goods throughout the state
- Sale of cannabis goods
- Events where cannabis can be sold or used
- Labeling of goods sold at retail locations
It’s essential that your cannabis waste management company has experience and expertise in cannabis waste disposal since it requires specific knowledge and handling procedures to ensure compliance and minimize environmental impact.
Keep in mind that regulations are continually evolving as well. The best cannabis waste management companies will stay on top of these changing laws so that you continue to remain compliant.
A Wide Range Of Services
The best cannabis waste management company should be able to provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Every cannabis nursery, distributor, dispensary, manufacturer and cultivator produces different quantities and types of cannabis waste.
Comprehensive services will include:
- Collection: The company should be able to collect and transport your cannabis waste from your facility to the appropriate disposal site that will accept your waste. At times, your waste management company may need to transfer multiple streams of waste to multiple sites, since a facility may only accept certain types of waste. This service should be provided regularly and on a schedule that suits your business needs.
- Transportation: The company should have the proper vehicles and equipment to safely transport your cannabis waste. It’s also essential to confirm that the cannabis waste management company you are considering is licensed. Specialized containers and trucks that are designed for the safe handling and transportation of cannabis waste should be used.
- Disposal: With a variety of disposal options available for cannabis waste, including composting, incineration and landfill, the waste management company should be able to recommend the most appropriate method for your specific waste stream. The best disposal companies will also ensure that your waste complies with all local, state and federal regulations.
- Recycling and Repurposing: Some waste management companies offer recycling and repurposing services for certain types of cannabis waste, such as plastic packaging. This can help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
- Consulting and Compliance: The company you are considering should be able to provide consulting services to help you understand and comply with regulations related to cannabis waste management. They should be up-to-date on the latest regulations and be able to provide guidance on best practices.
By offering comprehensive services, a cannabis waste management company can provide a customized solution that meets all of your waste management needs, saving you time, money and hassle while ensuring compliance.
Secure Handling
After helping your business develop a custom cannabis waste disposal plan, a waste management company should also provide you with the tools necessary to ensure the secure handling of your waste.
These tools include UN-rated containers that are air-tight for maximum odor protection. The best containers will include biodegradable lining to ensure proper hygiene and are guaranteed to meet all state regulations set forth by the different governing bodies in order to prevent odor and spillage.
At pickup, a cannabis waste management company should provide you with a manifest to ensure you are able to enter the required details for track-and-trace reporting. A disposal company should also provide the certified weight upon drop off at licensed composting facilities and recycling centers.
These measures will ensure you are able to track your waste all the way through its lifecycle. This is important because as a waste generator, you are legally responsible for your waste the moment it is generated to the moment it is properly disposed of at the appropriate facility.
The best cannabis waste management company will also make it easy for you to track the status of your waste by uploading all client documents electronically to your client portal throughout the process.
Sustainability As A Company Value
Sustainability has become an increasingly important value for businesses in all industries, and the cannabis industry is no exception. Cannabis waste can have a significant impact on the environment, contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and other negative effects.
Choosing a cannabis waste management company that shares your commitment to sustainability can help minimize this impact and reduce your carbon footprint.
A waste management company that prioritizes sustainability will have practices and procedures in place that reflect this value. They may prioritize recycling and repurposing waste where possible, use environmentally friendly transportation methods and minimize the use of landfills.
By partnering with a company that shares your values, you can ensure that your cannabis waste is being disposed of in a way that aligns with your commitment to sustainability.
In addition to the environmental benefits, prioritizing sustainability can also be good for business. Consumers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly and socially responsible companies, and partnering with a sustainable waste management company can help differentiate your business and attract environmentally-conscious customers.
