Managing Solid Waste Materials
Like any other business, MEs generate a variety of common waste materials. While some materials need to be disposed of in the trash, others should be recycled or composted.
Massachusetts has waste disposal ban regulations (310 CMR 19.017) that ban the disposal of certain materials in the trash. Commonly generated waste that is banned from disposal include cardboard, bottles and cans, paper, and leaves and yard waste. You can see more information on the waste bans and what materials are banned from disposal at https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-waste-disposal-bans
Under the waste ban regulations, MassDEP considers cannabis plant material to be “commercial organic material.” This material is banned from disposal in the trash if a business generates a half-ton or more per week for disposal. If an ME generates a half-ton or more of commercial organic material per week for disposal, it would need to divert this material from disposal, typically to a compost or anaerobic digestion (AD) operation. If an ME generates less than a half-ton of plant material per week, the material may be disposed of in the trash, although MassDEP still encourages this material to be composted where possible.
Composting or AD
According to 935 CMR 500.105(12), cannabis plant parts and associated materials sent for composting or AD must first be ground and mixed with other organic materials such that the cannabis material is rendered unusable. Other organic materials may include growing media, soil, mulch, food waste, or agricultural material such as manure or other plant materials.
There are no unique requirements for hauling this material to a compost or anaerobic digestion facility. MassDEP does not license or grant permits to waste haulers. The best place to start is to check with the haulers that currently service businesses in the area, though ideally an ME should work with a hauler that has experience hauling other similar organic materials. If you need to find a new hauler, you can search for haulers by material type and location at Recycling Works Massachusetts.
Once on the webpage, select the material type “Food-Waste/Compostables” for cannabis plant materials (note: you can also use this webpage to search for recycling service providers). A hauler can help you determine which facility to deliver your material to, as well as the number and size of containers you need to meet your needs. You can also search for compost or AD facilities that can accept that material using that same link, or by referring to MassDEP’s list of sites accepting diverted food material.
On-site composting: In some cases, it may work well for an ME to compost materials on site. Composting on site requires sufficient space to construct and maintain a compost pile, as well as additional materials to mix with cannabis plant material to compost successfully. For general guidance on composting practices, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Composting Guidebook. Under MassDEP’s regulations, a business can compost up to 20 cubic yards of material per week on site, but must complete and submit a one-time notification form to MassDEP and your local board of health. If you are interested in composting on site, you can receive free assistance and guidance through the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts’ Compost Site Technical Assistance Program.
Solid waste disposal: The requirements under 935 CMR 500.105(12) for disposing of cannabis waste are similar to those for sending it to composting or AD. The cannabis waste must be ground and mixed with other solid wastes so that the material is rendered unusable. Suitable materials for mixing cannabis wastes for disposal include food waste, coffee grounds, manure, sawdust, or growing media. The best approach is to work with your existing waste hauler to provide this collection service. Cannabis wastes mixed with other solid waste can be brought to any permitted transfer station, landfill, or municipal waste combustion facility for disposal. Your solid waste hauler will typically determine the best nearby facility to deliver the waste to for disposal. A hauler can also help you determine what number and size of containers you need to meet your needs.
Storage, Documentation, and Recordkeeping
Cannabis wastes should be stored in a secure and locked container and location prior to collection. Under 935 CMR 500.105(12), at least two ME agents must witness and document how the marijuana waste is handled. The same regulation requires your business to develop and maintain records for at least three years that include:
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- How the cannabis waste is secured prior to collection;
- The date the material is sent for composting, anaerobic digestion, or disposal;
- The type and amount of material managed;
- The name, location, and type of facility to which the material was delivered;
- (The facility can provide a scale or load ticket that includes all of this information.)
- The manner of disposal or handling; and
- The names and signatures of the two agents who witness the material management
This three-year period is extended for the duration of any enforcement action and also may be extended by an order of the Commission.
Hazardous waste management: MEs may also generate some wastes that need to be managed as hazardous wastes. This may include: spent lighting, pesticides, solvents, used oil, or other chemicals used in facility operation and maintenance.
Massachusetts hazardous waste regulations (314 CMR 30.000), include provisions governing storage (how much material and for how long), labeling, manifest, transportation, and final management and disposal. If you generate hazardous waste, you will need an EPA ID. Your hazardous waste generator status determines how much waste you may accumulate at your site at one time, and how quickly you need to ship it off site for recycling or disposal. Please see the MassDEP Hazardous Waste Generation web page for more information and guidance.
Managing liquid wastes: Liquid waste containing marijuana or by-products of marijuana processing shall be disposed of in compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements. These requirements will depend on how liquid waste from a facility is being managed, whether discharged via a sewer connection, holding tank, or to groundwater or surface water. For more information on the applicable regulations and points of contact for each, please see the links in the Regulation Links and Contacts section below.
Packaging: It is recommended that recyclable and compostable packaging be used for marijuana products. Existing resources relative to packaging include the following:
- For recycling, MassDEP maintains a website with educational guidance: www.RecycleSmartMA.Org. This website summarizes what types of packaging are recyclable at our recycling facilities. For general guidance, see https://recyclesmartma.org/smart-recycling-guide/. For more specific questions, you can search the “recyclopedia” using the search bar at the top of the page.
- For compostable packaging, search the internet for organizations that certify compostable packaging. Specifications relative to labeling are available at:
- https://www.astm.org/Standards/D6400.htm
- https://www.astm.org/Standards/D6868.htm
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Attend a Public
Meeting
The Cannabis Control Commission conducts meetings and other events to keep you informed.
Subscribe to Our
Notice List
Sign up for updates from the Cannabis Control Commission.
