If you’ve purchased and consumed your medical cannabis, you likely now have an empty plastic container kicking around. While you may already know that you can toss the paper packaging into your recycling bin, you may be wondering how to recycle your plastic cannabis containers, or better yet, how to find new, creative ways to use them in your everyday life.
According to a study published in Science Advance, approximately 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been generated since the 1950s, and only 9 per cent have been recycled [*]. Researchers estimate that by 2050, 12 more billion tonnes of plastic will be disposed of. It’s up to each and every one of us to mitigate waste by learning sustainable disposal and functional ways to reuse plastic to lessen our impact on the earth.
You may be wondering why there is so much packaging for your cannabis products in the first place. Due to regulations that ensure the product packaging protect against accidental consumption and child use, help to educate consumers about how to make informed consumption decisions, as well as show the mandatory health warnings, cannabis symbol, and information about the product, the packaging tends to be bulky to stay compliant and keep your buds fresh. However, CannMart’s packaging is created by CannaPack Solutions, and each container is made with fully-recyclable polypropylene.
There are two options for how you can responsibly get rid of your cannabis packaging by either recycling it or reusing it.
How to recycle your cannabis containers:
First, check with your local government to see if it accepts cannabis containers in your curbside recycling program. You can do this by reading your city’s recycling regulations on the city’s website. What each recycling program accepts will depend on your municipality, so make sure you do your research and check the plastic code on the bottom of your container before throwing it into the recycling bin.
If your local government does not accept cannabis containers, then we recommend signing up for the TerraCycle program to help you find responsible waste solutions.
How to reuse your cannabis packaging:
1. Use it to grow a plant
Your cannabis container can be made into the perfect pot for small plants and herbs. Simply drill five draining holes on the bottom of the container, fill it with soil, and plant your chosen seed. You can also add an extra step and paint the container to fit the aesthetic of your home or outdoor space.
2. Use it to organize seeds for your garden
If you have a green thumb, your empty cannabis containers are perfect for organizing the seeds for your garden. Simply label each container with the name of each seed, and store with your gardening supplies.
3. Use it to fill your toiletries when travelling
Instead of purchasing travel-size shampoo and conditioner for your next vacation, try filling your smaller cannabis containers with your toiletries instead. Not only does this help cut down on cost, it also saves you a trip to the store.
4. Use it as a doob tube
If you like having joints on-hand, use the small cannabis containers that your pre-rolls came in as a storage case. Carrying your joints in this case will help to preserve their shape when you’re on-the-go, and the case’s smell-proof feature allows you to throw them in your purse or bag for extra discreteness.
5. Use it as an ashtray
Once you’ve rolled your dry herb, the easiest way to upcycle your empty cannabis container is to use it as an ashtray. Simply fill the bottom with approximately an inch of sand, and feel free to paint it to match the style of your home.
6. Use it as a stationary organizer
What better way to keep your pens, paper clips, sticky notes, and erasers organized than to designate each stationary item its own container? Keep these containers on your desk or in your drawer for easy reach.
7. Use it as a snack jar
Next time you’re hosting guests, take the lid off your empty cannabis container and use it as a bowl to offer your favourite snack.
8. Use it to store leftovers
Made too much dinner? Store leftovers in your empty cannabis container and pop it in the fridge for lunch the next day. Or, if you’re a fan of meal prepping for the week, organize your fruits and veggies by assigning each item its own container.
9. Use it as a pet food bowl
Your empty cannabis containers can be used for your pet supplies. You can use them as water and food bowls, as storage containers for your pet’s favorite treats, or even as travel containers for pet supplies when you’re on the go.
10. Use it to organize bulk items in your pantry
Cut down on waste by purchasing bulk food items at a bulk store, such as Bulk Barn. Instead of using the plastic bags most stores provide, bring your empty cannabis containers to purchase your bulk foods instead. Then, organize these containers in your pantry, and if you want to be extra organized, add a label for each item.
