As the hemp and cannabis industry grows, so does its footprint. Byproducts are generated throughout marijuana and hemp cultivation, leaving growers with a significant amount of biomass in need of disposal. So what can be done with this pulp, fiber, seeds, and wax? We discuss what you need to know about recycling or managing hemp waste products below.
Your Guide to Hemp Waste in California
California’s three governing agencies lump hemp and cannabis waste together. As such, California industrial hemp businesses can treat their byproducts as organic waste. Since hemp contains very little to no THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabinoids, plant matter can be tossed into a landfill.
However, things can get a bit more complicated than that. The leftover raw material has a number of uses. With market growth anticipated to take the hemp industry to $10.6 billion by 2025, your waste may even offer a new business opportunity. However, not all hemp waste can be disposed of this simply. Pesticides, hemp oils, and other products require additional care.
The History of the Hemp Industry
The 2018 Farm Bill separated hemp from other cannabis plants and federally legalized regulated hemp and hemp-derived products. However, these changes left some hoops to jump through for states that restrict the cultivation of marijuana.
In many states, plants that exceed 0.3% THC are classified as non-hemp cannabis and require carefully documented disposal. Luckily for California growers, the legalization of cannabis products has removed some of the red tape involved in hemp waste management. Instead, there are several options for waste management at your disposal.
Types of Hemp Products
Hemp plant material can be used for a variety of textiles. Hemp fiber, stalks, hurds, and seeds can be recycled into building materials, animal bedding, hempcrete, and more. The plant can also be processed to create CBD (Cannabidiol). With a wide variety of uses and types of CBD products, there is plenty of room in the market for hemp producers.
These products aren’t just great growth opportunities for businesses that are already within the cannabis market; they also support sustainability. The reuse of biomass helps keep more plant material out of waste streams. As the industry grows (and with it, waste), finding ways to be more eco-friendly becomes more critical to the health of our planet as a whole.
What to Do with Hemp Waste in Los Angeles
In California, there are a variety of ways to dispose of agricultural hemp waste. Plant matter, including hemp biomass, hemp hurds, and hemp seed, can be dropped at a landfill, but recycling via composting offers a more eco-friendly solution.
Other hemp products, such as CBD oil, hemp oil, or plant matter that’s contaminated with pesticides, however, can get a bit more complicated. These items can contain hazardous waste materials, which have different regulatory requirements.
Because of the localized nature of hazardous waste and cannabis waste disposal, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable disposal company on your side. If you need professional waste disposal in the greater Los Angeles area, consider contacting Easy Waste Management to request a free consultation. Our experienced team helps cultivators, retailers, and processors like you develop custom, efficient plans that fit your needs.
