Ecomeds Recycling Program
Here at Ecomeds , we’re all about the green. We’re stoked that legalization is spreading throughout the U.S. but with the increase in cannabis use, comes the increase in waste. It is estimated that there is over 1 million tons of cannabis waste in North America each year. True to our namesake, we want to promote sustainable greens and environmentally-focused business practices. That’s why we offer our customers the most eco-friendly products and a free cannabis waste recycling program.
The Green Waste Problem
Bud, cartridges, pens, edibles and oils are often excessively packaged to keep control over the terpenes (fragrance) and to child-proof products…makes sense! However with strict rules on packaging, there is becoming an increasing issue with cannabis waste and disposal. Now this is a problem! Think about your last purchase/order from a dispensary…how much waste was there? When you think about it, there is an environmental downside to commercial cannabis.
Unfortunately, cannabis waste management is more complicated than it is in other industries. Cannabis waste is categorized as special waste because of the harm it can cause children, animals or others (at the end of the day, it’s still a drug). There are strict disposal requirements based on federal and state regulations.
Even though we’re following these requirements, we want to do more! That’s why Ecomeds is a member of two brilliant environmental programs that help businesses put Mother Earth first and keep us sustainable down to the core.
1% For The Planet
If you’re not familiar with 1% For The Planet , it’s about time to learn about this environmental organization and start looking for their logo on products everywhere (because it is literally everywhere!) Founded in 2002 by the founders of Patagonia and Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% For The Planet is a global network of businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations working to solve environmental problems in local communities and around the world. Businesses, such as ourselves, pledge 1% of our sales to organizations tackling pressing environmental issues.
CA Green Business Network
We are also certified by the California Green Business Network , a program that helps businesses learn to conserve precious resources, support their local communities and put sustainability at the core of their mission. They work with businesses like ours to make sure we’re compliant with environmental regulations and to help show our customers that we are committed to taking action to conserve resources and prevent pollution in both the facility and operations. Check out their page to learn more about their green-focused mission.
Our Solution to Cannabis Waste: Ecomeds Recycling Program
In order to make recycling easier, we are introducing a FREE program for Ecomeds customers where we will collect used cannabis waste (plastics, cartridges, pens, etc.) at the time of delivery, bring the waste back to our office and recycle with a company called Ecowaste. This can save you the headache of having to look up local recycling centers and city regulations regarding recycled cans, bottles, and plastics (with cannabis products).
Here’s How the Recycling Program Works:
- Ecomeds Customers (that’s you!) have the opportunity to sign up for the recycling program on our website. When you sign up for the program you automatically receive 25 rewards points . Rewards points will be redeemable for merchandise and special discounts. Who doesn’t love rewards programs?!
- When checking out online, check the box stating that you have cannabis waste for us to pick up. When placing an order over the phone, mention that you have recycling materials to be picked up.
- There are 2 easy ways we can pick up your waste:
- Enclosed in an Ecomeds exit bag from a previous order.
- By directly depositing the waste in a reusable bag carried by the delivery driver
- You will receive 5 rewards points for everytime you opt to recycle, and 2 extra points every time you recycle with one of Ecomeds exit bags. Such an easy way to earn points and help Mother Earth at the same time.
How Do I Know What to Recycle? Here’s What we Consider “Cannabis Waste”:
- Packaging
- Cardboard
- Plastic
- Mylar bags
- Glass Jars
- Tube Containers
- Concentrate containers
- Used Devices
- Batteries
- Vapor carts
- Vape pens
- Disposable pens
- Vapor pods
- Disposables
- Expired Organic Waste
- Flower
- Edibles
- Product
How t o Properly Dispose of Cannabis Waste
To prevent pollution and environmental contamination, cannabis waste must be disposed of one of four ways:
- Through a permitted landfill
- By composting
- In-vessel digestion
- Incineration
To be correctly disposed of, cannabis waste must be removed from package and rendered “unusable and unrecognizable,” must be incorporated with non-cannabis waste, such as non-consumable solid wastes, and the resulting mixture must be at least 50 percent non-marijuana waste and should be placed in a secured waste receptacle.
Sustainable from the Start
This seems easy enough, right? Let’s keep used cannabis packaging and devices out of our landfills and focus on the benefits of recycling cannabis waste. As responsible cannabis users and citizens of Earth, we can make sustainable choices when shopping for cannabis products to further prevent pollution and waste. According to Forbes , there are 5 best practices to create safe and sustainable cannabis purchasing habits:
- Look for Alt-Organic: Look for brands that have been certified by “Clean Green” or “Sun & Earth.” These programs hold the highest environmental standards, so any brand certified by them is as eco-friendly as they come.
- Buy “Sun Grown” Cannabis: Marijuana cultivation uses 1% of the electricity in the U.S. Relying on high-powered lamps and machinery can create more waste and exhaustion of electricity. Instead, look for products with “sun grown” on the label.
- Know Your Farmer: Paying attention to where your herb comes from can also help you make sustainable purchases. Legal states like CA have energy conservation programs that most farms take advantage of. Regulated products have a significantly less chance of pesticides, pollution and environmental damage.
- Purchase Lab-Tested Products: Lab-tested products guarantee you’re not consuming nasty pesticides, bug and rodent droppings, or metal contaminants. Look for certificates on analysis on packaging to be sure.
- Avoid Wasteful Packaging: We know cannabis packaging can be intense and it’s often to keep children and pets safe, but it’s still smart to look for sustainable options. Look for brands that use post-consumer recycled materials to create their packaging and devices. Shop with dispensaries that have easy, organized recycling programs (like Ecomeds!)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You know why it’s important to recycle and why you should care about what happens to our planet if we don’t take care of it. Help us do better and recycle your cannabis waste. If you have questions about our recycling program , visit us here !
La entrada Ecomeds Recycling Program se publicó primero en Ecomeds.
SHARE:
Front Door Enterprises, LLC
Ecomeds Copyright 2021
C9-0000436-LIC