Part two of a two-part series looks at potential packaging and labor relations issues as more states legalize recreational marijuana.
In January 2018, recreational cannabis became legal to cultivate, distribute, manufacture and sell in California. As an entity under California’s Department of Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) regulates the disposal, management and recycling of non-hazardous solid waste, including organic waste.
Lance Klug, public information officer for CalRecycle, says the department does not have data or information to share specifically related to cannabis waste generation or cannabis-related packaging waste. However, cannabis itself is considered organic waste (if not combined with any hazardous or toxic material) and is subject to the same disposal/recycling requirements as other green waste, with recycling mandates in place for businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week.
