While the water you use during the daily operations of your cannabis business may not be at the top of your mind, it plays a role in the reputation of your company in an increasingly regulated industry.
From cultivation to processing and everything in between, cannabis businesses generate a lot of waste water. How that water is treated is important, not only for safeguarding the environment but for the future of your business as well.
Let’s dive into why waste water treatment is important and some situations where your business may need to seek proper treatment.
When Waste Water Treatment Is Required
Cannabis companies generate waste water several ways. Unless you’re a retailer operating a storefront, chances are, your
business may require waste water treatment.
In fact, cannabis cultivation and processing often require significant water usage through processes like irrigation and extraction.
Here are a few examples of how your cannabis business may generate waste water:
Irrigation Techniques
Like any plant, cannabis requires water to grow. In large-scale cultivation facilities, that could be significant water usage. Methods like flood irrigation or overhead watering can produce excess runoff, which then creates waste water that must be treated.
Processing And Manufacturing
Cannabis processing facilities that manufacture edibles, topicals or other infused products often utilize water-intensive production methods. Cleaning equipment, mixing ingredients, and processing materials can all result in wastewater containing organic residues and potentially harmful contaminants that require treatment.
Lab Testing
Cannabis testing laboratories may use water in various analytical processes and equipment cleaning. Waste water generated
from these activities can contain chemical reagents, residues from samples, or cleaning agents, requiring treatment before disposal to safeguard against environmental contamination.
Hydroponic Systems
If you’re a cannabis cultivator and use hydroponic systems, you’ll likely require waste water treatment.
In hydroponic systems, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than soil. While this process optimizes water and nutrient delivery to plants, it also can generate waste water when the system flushes excess solution.
This type of waste water contains high levels of nutrients, which can impact surrounding plant life if it’s discharged improperly. Instead, proper containment and waste water treatment should be used.
Extraction Processes
Cannabis extraction involves the use of solvents like butane, ethanol or CO2. This process is often used for the production of cannabis concentrates and oils.
Extraction processes generate high amounts of waste water containing residual solvents, plant material and other byproducts, which is why treatment is necessary to protect human and environmental health.
Cooling Systems
Cannabis cultivation and processing facilities may use water for cooling purposes, such as maintaining optimal temperatures for equipment or climate control systems. Wastewater from cooling processes can accumulate various impurities and heat, requiring waste water treatment before that waste can be legally discharged.
Cleaning And Sanitization
No matter what type of cannabis business you have, you likely require cleaning and sanitization services at your facility to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination from occurring.
Using cleaning agents and disinfectants can generate wastewater containing chemical residues. Even if your business doesn’t generate waste water through the growing or cultivation of cannabis, it may through the sanitization of your facilities.
In fact, in many cities and states, there are special regulations that govern the disposal of cleaning agents, and this process may require the use of waste water treatment facilities.
Why Waste Water Treatment Is Required
Beyond local, state and federal regulations that govern when you need waste water treatment, there are several additional
reasons why you shouldn’t overlook this cannabis waste disposal process.
Cannabis waste contains a variety of substances that can harm the environment and human health if they are not managed properly. Nutrients, chemicals and organic matter can all contaminate surrounding soils and water soils, making it critical to dispose of contaminated water properly rather than simply dispose of it down the drain.
Treating waste water can also help you reclaim and reuse water for different purposes. This can help your business save costs in water usage, as well as play a greater role in conserving valuable resources.
What can happen if you don’t properly treat waste water can be a deterrent as well. Failing to adhere to regulations can land your business on the wrong side of the law with severe penalties and legal consequences. Your reputation can also suffer damage, which can be a fatal blow in today’s competitive cannabis market in California.
California generated nearly $6 billion in legal recreational and medical marijuana sales in 2023. By prioritizing your role in environmental stewardship, you can set your business apart and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. That can attract environmentally-conscious consumers and investors, bolstering your brand reputation and long-term viability in the cannabis market in California.
Who Can Help With Waste Water Treatment
As a cannabis business, you have multiple waste streams, from plant waste to packaging, electronic, hazardous, non hazardous and waste water. Ensuring compliance for each of these waste streams can be challenging, especially if you are a small business that may not have a manager whose sole duties are to focus on compliance.
An experienced cannabis waste disposal company can help your business remain safe and compliant not only in handling waste water but all of your different waste streams. Cannabis waste disposal companies have the in-depth knowledge necessary to help your business navigate an evolving regulatory landscape.
The best partners will stay on top of evolving regulations and guidelines to ensure that your waste water disposal practices align with local, state and federal requirements.
Top disposal companies will also:
- Customize waste management solutions for your business. Your cannabis business is unique and has its own distinct waste management needs and challenges. Cannabis waste disposal companies will tailor their services to accommodate your specific requirements. This includes the safe transport of industrial wastewater to waste water treatment companies.
- Offer safe and secure transportation. You are responsible for the waste you generate until the moment it is safely disposed of. It’s important to work with a cannabis waste disposal service that uses dedicated vehicles equipped with containment systems to prevent spills or leaks during transit.
- Ensure proper disposal at the correct facility for your waste. Depending on the type of waste water you generate, your waste may go to a municipal water treatment plant or a specialized facility like a wastewater treatment plant for hazardous substances. The best disposal partner will work closely with licensed treatment facilities to ensure that your waste water undergoes appropriate treatment processes.
Cannabis waste disposal companies should also offer services that align with your sustainability goals. Look for companies that prioritize eco-friendly waste management practices, such as recycling and resource recovery, whenever possible so that you can minimize the ecological footprint of your cannabis operations.
Partnering with an experienced cannabis waste disposal company can alleviate the complexities of managing multiple waste streams that are common in business operations. These expert partners not only ensure compliance across all waste streams but also customize solutions to fit your unique needs. From safe transportation to proper disposal at licensed facilities, they navigate evolving regulations and prioritize sustainability, allowing you to focus on growing your business while maintaining environmental stewardship.
