The global cannabis market is projected to grow from just over $28 billion in 2021 to a whopping $197 billion in 2028.
With this growth comes an abundance of opportunities for entrepreneurs wanting to test the waters in this hot market. Yet jumping in without ensuring you have all your bases covered can be a risky move.
As the cannabis waste industry continues to expand, so do the number of regulations overseeing the health and safety of workers and the environment. As of April 2023, 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia all allow the medical use of cannabis products, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. For adult non-medical use, nearly half of the states have enacted measures: 22 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.
With the increasing focus many legislatures are placing on sustainability and responsible business practices, proper cannabis waste disposal has become an important aspect of compliance in this evolving industry. For many companies that manufacture or sell cannabis products, proper disposal requires the services of experienced cannabis waste disposal companies.
Here’s what you need to know about the growing need for this service and what you should look for in a waste solutions provider to ensure your business remains in compliance.
Cannabis Waste Disposal Regulations
In California, strict legislation ensures that organic and hazardous cannabis waste is properly managed. There are a number of
businesses that must follow these laws, from dispensaries to nurseries, processors and cultivators.
It’s important to remember that despite the legalization of cannabis in the state, it remains a Schedule 1 Federally Controlled Substance. This makes properly managing any product derived from the plant, Cannabis sativa, more complicated … and vital.
Adding to the complicated and, at times, confusing process is that hazardous cannabis waste, non-hazardous cannabis waste and traditional hazardous waste are all categorized differently.
Anyone considering opening a cannabis business in California will need to become familiar with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), which licenses and regulates all commercial cannabis activity. Among the different areas the DCC regulates are:
- The growing of cannabis plants
- How cannabis products are manufactured
- The transportation and tracking of cannabis goods throughout California
- The sale of cannabis goods
- Events where cannabis products are sold or used
- The labeling of goods that are sold at retail locations throughout the state
Another organization, the Cannabis Advisory Committee, advises the DCC about regulations and licensing that are related to commercial cannabis businesses. Among the compliance issues that your cannabis business must monitor include the mitigation of potential sources of waste odor, the storage of your cannabis goods and the securing of the waste on licensed premises. You must also be able to identify waste streams as non-hazardous waste, cannabis waste or hazardous waste.
An additional important cannabis regulation is track and trace reporting. The California Cannabis Track and Trace (CCTT) system tracks the movement of cannabis and cannabis products throughout the supply chain. The Department of Cannabis Control explains this process as “seed to sale” tracking.
In order to comply with track and trace reporting requirements, you MUST develop a cannabis waste management plan that explains how you will handle any cannabis waste that is generated on your property. Any cannabis waste that is considered hazardous must be disposed of off-site by licensed cannabis waste disposal companies.
Keep in mind that in California, ANYTHING that comes in contact with THC is considered hazardous. Any type of cannabis business, whether a grow room or dispensary, must report this waste through the CCTT. Before it leaves the facility, the waste must also be rendered unusable and unrecognizable.
How A Cannabis Waste Disposal Company Can Help
As the cannabis industry grows, there will be a continual evolving need for cannabis waste management services as well. Working with a
cannabis waste disposal company can offer many benefits, including:
- Reduced disposal costs: An experienced cannabis waste disposal company will evaluate the types of waste that your business generates so that it can look for ways to reduce your disposal costs over time.
- Compliance for your business: A disposal company will set up a system for the proper handling and disposal of each of your waste streams, whether hazardous or non-hazardous.
- Increased efficiency: Waste disposal companies can help train employees on waste management procedures and perform regular assessments that identify areas for improvement.
- Record-keeping experience: Easy Waste Management can provide assistance with meeting stringent record-keeping requirements.
- Improved reputation: Your business can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, enhancing your reputation and appealing to customers who prioritize environmentally-conscious businesses.
When choosing a cannabis waste management company, it’s essential that you look for a partner that has expertise in cannabis waste disposal since special handling procedures are required to ensure compliance and to minimize environmental impact.
A company that can offer all of the services you need can help you save costs and streamline your operations as well. For example, comprehensive waste management services will include:
- Collection
- Transportation
- Disposal
- Proof of disposal
- Recycling and repurposing
- Consulting on best practices
- Compliance (and regular monitoring of evolving legislation)
A quality disposal company will also help you develop a waste management plan. This plan should include the secure storage and handling of your cannabis waste. For example, UN-rated containers are air-tight for maximum odor protection, a key area of compliance. The best containers will also include biodegradable lining to ensure proper hygiene and to meet all state regulations to prevent odor and spillage.
At pickup, a cannabis waste disposal company should provide you with a manifest to ensure you are able to enter the required details for the track-and-trace reporting requirements that we outlined above. A disposal company should also provide the certified weight upon drop-off at licensed composting facilities and recycling centers.
Finally, a cannabis waste management company that aligns with your commitment to sustainability initiatives. For many companies today, reducing their carbon footprint is part of their overall core values. A waste management company that prioritizes sustainability will implement procedures that reflect this value through its own practices.
