7 Useful Ideas for Reusing & Recycling Your Cannabis Containers

Whether you prefer to reuse your old cannabis containers or recycle them, the first task at hand, before putting on your creative hat, is to clean any container, jar, or packaging in which the cannabis was stored.

It is easiest to clean any glass, aluminum, or plastic container with reliable soap (most likely a soap used for dishes rather than a soap used for hand washing) to guarantee the cannabis is washed away, as is any paper label and glue holding the label on. Then, once it has been thoroughly washed, dry the container. If there is any remaining cannabis residue, wash a second time and then dry. 

During the cleaning process, some cannabis odors might escape the packaging and linger. If you encounter this on your recycling or repurposing project, use Cannabolish to remove any cannabis odors. By using a Cannabolish odor removing candle (like this one with a lavender scent) or spray (this one smells of wintergreen), you can be confident that any cannabis odors will be removed and you can get on your recycling or crafting way.

Once the containers or packaging has been cleaned and dried, now is the time to figure out if you will be recycling or repurposing your weed containers. Even if you’ve never given your cannabis containers a second thought after your most recent dispensary run, we’ve got some ideas that might entice you to view those containers in a different light and inspire you to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices into your cannabis routine.

Ways of Recycling Cannabis Containers

If you are looking for ways to recycle cannabis containers rather than repurposing them, the good news is that there are many options.

States with Private & State-Run Recycling Programs

Just like recreational marijuana laws, states also vary in terms of what can and cannot be recycled. If you live in a state such as Colorado or Washington, you are in luck. Those states have great programs that are run by private and state-run companies where those who use cannabis can recycle their containers in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. 

Should you live in a state with companies that provide recycling solutions, there are steps that you need to take prior to dropping off the containers at the recycling center locations. Although it is best to contact the recycling company first, those steps will most likely include washing and drying the containers and having the containers be organized in some way.

States without Recycling Programs

If you do not live in a state that provides recycling services, there still are ways of going about recycling cannabis containers. The good news is that despite cannabis often coming packaged in various types of ways, most of the packaging or containers can be recycled.

If you are looking for ideas of recycling your cannabis containers, start with the least confusing packaging when it comes to recycling: glass and aluminum. Because both aluminum and glass are items that can always be recycled, ensure that the jar or container is clean of any cannabis residue or any paper markings with glue. Also, don’t forget to wash the container, guarantee it is dry, and you should be good to go to recycle!

Recycling Plastic Cannabis Containers

Cannabis retailers have started to understand how they can make a positive impact on the environment. As Leafly reports, packaging companies like Sana have begun to create lines of environmentally-conscious cannabis packaging to offset the nearly 4.8 million tons of plastic that ends up in the ocean each year. 

Unfortunately, access to cannabis products with ethical packaging may be more difficult to come across in states where marijuana remains largely illegal. Luckily, there are ways you can make an impact. You can easily wash out and reuse plastic bags to extend the life cycle of single-use plastic or reappropriate those bags to hold smoking accessories.

Whether you recycle cannabis containers once or 100 times, it can have an impact on the amount of single-use plastic circulating through your area’s recycling system. Every small adjustment we make in our everyday lives towards sustainability has an impact.

Options for Repurposing Weed Containers

Now for your crafty cannabis users out there, if you forgo recycling cannabis containers, there are ways to reuse, upcycle, and repurpose weed containers. The easiest packaging to repurpose will be the glass jars or aluminum tins, but there are ways to use plastic packaging again and again.

For those looking into repurposing weed containers that are either glass or aluminum, you have a plethora of options, such as:

• For jewelry, keys, coins, and other small items that often get lost in the shuffle of transferring bags or purses. Place the jar in the corner near a door so this container can become your catch-all.
• For miscellaneous kitchen tools such as utensils, mixing spoons, or, if the container has a top, loose baking ingredients like flour, sugar, tea, coffee, or bulk herbs and spices.
• For placing random office supplies such as pens, pencils, rulers, or markers in one place on a desk or dresser.
• For packing with dirt and mulch and planting flowers or herbs, including something like a terrarium. In this example, because glass and aluminum are sturdy, the container could be utilized as an indoor or outdoor plant.

Although there are many ways of repurposing weed containers, one positive aspect is that upcycling any type of jar or container takes some creativity. For instance, repurposing glass jars or aluminum containers may be easier but there are options to use the plastic packaging again. Some ideas include:

• For holding makeup or other toiletries like hair binders, dental floss, or toothpaste tubes.
• For keeping small objects such as pins, needles, or other items that often get lost in the shuffle of bigger sewing kit boxes.
• For a place to throw loose change that won’t get too heavy once it is full.

Depending on if you recycle, repurpose, or maybe even do both, Cannabolish is pleased to be an eco-friendly option of removing cannabis odors. By using Cannabolish products, which are plant-based and made with natural ingredients, and recycling and repurposing your old cannabis containers, you are giving back to the environment in your own way.