Just days after marijuana legalization takes effect; Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy (D) introduced new legislation that would create a cannabis recycling program.
Marijuana sales have yet to launch in New York. But lawmakers are taking steps to ensure the market is environmentally sustainable. The recycling program will aim to minimize the amount of plastic pollution generated by the marijuana industry.
Single-use marijuana packaging will be treated similarly to typical bottles under existing recycling policies. The bill would “require any lawfully permitted recreational marijuana retailer to charge a one-dollar deposit on single-use plastic containers for products,” the text states. “the retailer would assume responsibility for collecting used packaging and recycling it, as well as reimbursing deposits.”
What is in the Proposal?
The proposal intends to resolve an “unfortunate externality of requirements” under the legalization bill. Like the mandate for cannabis products, they must be in child-resistant containers.
The legal cannabis industry produces around 150 million tons of waste every year. While no industry is blameless in the plastic pollution crisis, New York can prevent a new source of plastic pollution.
The bill also requires that packaging for marijuana products be made from at least 50 percent recycled materials. It also mandates that retailers take steps to be able to collect cannabis bottles and jars from consumers who would like to return them, it will be called the “Cannabis Container Bill of Rights”.
The legislation has been referred to the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, but it is not on the schedule for any hearings or votes.
The leading conservationist group, the Sierra Club has taken an interest in the environmental impact of regulated marijuana. They released a guide that makes recommendations on how to source marijuana in a way that is healthy and good for the environment. It includes seeking out products with low-waste packaging.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.