Waste disposal is one of the biggest challenges within cannabis cultivation and distribution right now. California’s regulatory boards have very specific legislation that cannabis growers, distributors, and dispensaries must follow, or else they risk fines and penalties. Moreso, as entrepreneurs, it’s our duty to consider the ecological impact of our cannabis products and byproducts. Proper disposal of grow room waste not only keeps you compliant from a legal standpoint, but it also prioritizes sustainability. The guide below will help you create a cost-effective waste management plan.
Cannabis Waste Disposal Within Your California Grow Room
While growers in California can produce 9 million pounds of cannabis (actual production is between 1.8 and 2.2 million pounds), much of this does not make it to market for various reasons. In addition to cannabis plant material itself, wastewater, solvents, and nutrient solution for hydroponics can require disposal. Instead of merely taking the throwaways directly to a dumpster or landfill, consider the following waste management plan.
1. Separate Waste in Cannabis Containers
CalRecycle mandates that all licensed cultivators store organic waste (as cannabis waste is considered) in a secured receptacle on their premises. This secured area should limit access to only the licensee, its employees, and any third-party hauler they partner with to move the waste to its next destination. There are various types of receptacles you can choose from; depending on the size of your grow operations, you may be better suited for a collapsible container or a heavy-duty distribution tote. Many large-scale cultivators opt for the latter due to its attached, interlocked lids, which are especially handy for unloading. Or, if you work with a California cannabis waste management service, you’ll be provided with receptacles to use.
2. Composting vs. Hauling
Cultivators have the choice of either composting organic waste on-premises or hauling waste material to an off-site location. If your business has the knowledge, personnel, and proper equipment to compost, it can be worthwhile to do so. However, many within the cannabis industry don’t have this, which is okay! Waste disposal is a large part of grow operations, and it’s critical it’s handled properly for the reasons we listed earlier. Instead, you should enlist the help of a cannabis waste collection service in Southern California. They will streamline your entire waste management process, provide you the right kind of storage containers, and safely drop off your material at a licensed composting facility or recycling center near you.
3. Track-and-Trace Reporting
California’s regulatory groups require all cannabis to be reported in a “track-and-trace” reporting system that follows the plant through the supply chain. Even discarded material in the early production stages must be accounted for in California. Whether you’re working with a third-party cannabis waste hauler or you’re hauling material yourself, you need to provide accurate details of the product you’re moving.
Stay compliant with CalRecycle and other regulatory boards! Partner with a cannabis disposal service in Los Angeles, CA to handle all your waste management needs. Easy Waste Management provides customized, cost-effective solutions for your waste pick-up, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Get started by requesting a free consultation so we can better understand your cannabis waste management needs!
