How does cannabis waste impact the environment?
Cannabis waste, including plastic packaging and vape products, contributes to pollution and environmental harm. Many materials, such as plastic, glass, vape components, and batteries, are difficult or impossible to recycle, with non-recyclable plastics adding to landfill waste. The widespread use of single-use plastics in the cannabis industry further exacerbates pollution.
Click the following links to learn more:
- Alba, C. (2021). Cannabis Waste Management in Vancouver area. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/cannabis-waste-management-metro-vancouver-report-2021.pdf.
- Hay, M. (2021). Legal weed packaging is wrecking the planet. What are we going to do about it? Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.mic.com/life/legal-weed-packaging-is-wrecking-the-planet-what-are-we-going-to-do-about-it-73584809.
- Robertson, K. J., Brar, R., Randhawa, P., Stark, C., & Baroutian, S. (2023). Opportunities and challenges in waste management within the medicinal cannabis sector. Industrial Crops and Products, 197, 116639.
- Wartenberg, A. C., Holden, P. A., Bodwitch, H., Parker-shames, P., Novotny, T., Harmon, T. C., Hart, S. C., Beutel, M., Gilmore, M., Hoh, E., & Butsic, Van. (2021). Cannabis and the environment: What science tells us and what we still need to know. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 8(2), 98-107.