The cannabis industry is booming, and more small businesses are entering the market every day. Staying competitive in this thriving industry means making sure you have all of your bases covered, and that includes your waste management.
Disposing of cannabis waste isn’t as simple as throwing it in the trash, and many businesses struggle to navigate the complex regulations and requirements surrounding marijuana waste disposal.
To stay in compliance with the law and protect your business, it’s important to have effective marijuana waste disposal procedures in place that protect your company and the environment. Here are five tips for effective marijuana waste disposal in your small business.
- Know marijuana waste disposal regulations
- Separate your waste
- Use secure containers
- Prioritize employee training
- Partner with a professional waste disposal company
1. Know Marijuana Waste Disposal Regulations
Marijuana waste disposal regulations can vary depending on the location of your business, so it’s important to research and
understand the regulations in your area.
For example, some states require that cannabis waste be rendered unusable and unrecognizable before it is disposed of, while others require that the waste be tracked and documented throughout the entire disposal process. Some states also have specific requirements for the disposal of different types of marijuana waste, such as plant material, edibles and oils.
In California, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 Federally Controlled Substance. This makes the disposal of cannabis waste products more complex since hazardous cannabis waste is categorized differently than non-hazardous cannabis waste, as well as traditional hazardous waste.
In California, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates all commercial cannabis activity and regulates:
- Growing cannabis plants
- Manufacturing of cannabis products
- 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
One of the most important laws on the books is Cannabis Track and Trace reporting requirements. The California Cannabis Track and Trace (CCTT) system tracks the movement of cannabis and cannabis products through the supply chain.
When applying to become an annual licensee under the CCTT, you must develop a cannabis waste management plan outlining the methods you will use for handling cannabis waste that is generated on the premises. Your plan must include methods for disposing of waste both on-site and off-site.
It’s also important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the regulations in your area. Cannabis laws and regulations are still evolving, and it’s important to be aware of any new rules or requirements that may affect your business.
2. Separate Your Waste
It’s important to keep your marijuana waste separate from other waste products in order to ensure its safe and effective disposal. Mixing cannabis waste with other types of waste can create a hazardous situation for workers who handle the waste and can also contaminate other waste streams.
Separating your cannabis waste can also help you comply with regulations in your area. For example, some states require that marijuana waste be stored in a secure area that is separate from other waste products.
To separate your cannabis waste, consider using designated waste containers that are clearly labeled and kept in a secure location. Make sure that all employees are aware of which containers are designated for marijuana waste and that they understand the importance of keeping the waste separate.
By separating your cannabis waste, you can help ensure that it is being disposed of safely and effectively while also avoiding any potential legal or financial consequences.
3. Use Secure Containers
When separating your waste, it’s important to use secure containers. You are responsible for your waste from the moment it
is generated until its proper disposal. Whether you’re storing your waste on-site, preparing it for shipment or having it transported to its final destination, it’s critical that you use secure containers to prevent unauthorized access.
When selecting containers for your marijuana waste, consider using durable materials such as heavy-duty plastic or metal that are resistant to tampering and are able to withstand potential damage during transport.
You should also choose containers that are specifically designed for marijuana waste disposal and are compliant with regulations in your area. By using secure containers to store your marijuana waste, you can help prevent any accidental exposure or intentional misuse of the waste while also complying with regulations and protecting your business from potential legal or financial consequences.
4. Prioritize Employee Training
Employees are the first line of defense when it comes to safe and effective waste disposal. Proper training can help ensure that workers are knowledgeable about the risks associated with handling marijuana waste and are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to dispose of it safely.
So what should employee training include? Training for marijuana waste disposal should include:
- Instruction on how to properly handle, store and dispose of cannabis waste
- Guidelines for identifying and reporting any potential safety hazards
- Best practices for using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, to prevent accidental exposure
- Information on the risks associated with handling marijuana waste, including exposure to potentially harmful substances and risk of injury from improper handling
- Guidelines for identifying and reporting any potential safety hazards, such as spills or leaks, that could pose a risk to employees or the environment.
- Compliance with applicable regulations, including state and local regulations governing marijuana waste disposal and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
- Emergency response procedures, including how to respond to spills or leaks and how to properly clean up and dispose of any waste.
By prioritizing employee training, companies can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries related to marijuana waste disposal, protect the health and safety of employees, and comply with regulations governing waste disposal.
5. Partner With A Professional Waste Disposal Company
Partnering with a professional waste disposal company can help small businesses like yours that generate cannabis waste in several ways, from ensuring your business is in compliance with waste regulations to allow you to free up time and resources to focus on your core business activities.
The main role of a professional waste disposal company is to ensure that your marijuana waste is handled and disposed of safely, efficiently and in compliance. But how can you ensure you choose a waste disposal company that will prioritize your company’s reputation and well-being?
After all, the cannabis industry is constantly evolving, regulations are changing, and there is a lot at stake when it comes to how this industry will grow in the coming years. Choosing a reputable waste partner is key, and that begins with making sure the service provider you work with is licensed and can provide documentation of its compliance.
The best marijuana waste disposal partners should have a clear understanding of the different types of cannabis waste and the appropriate disposal methods for each. A disposal company should also be able to provide documentation of the disposal process, including the destination facility and the disposal method used.
Because your cannabis business must maintain detailed records of your waste management activities, it’s important that you establish a record-keeping system that is organized and easy to access. A reputable cannabis waste disposal company can provide assistance with these record-keeping requirements.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, choosing the right waste disposal partner is crucial for protecting your business’s reputation and well-being.
