How to recycle cannabis containers

Cannabis containers are designed to protect the product and keep it fresh from the moment it’s packaged by the supplier until it’s opened by the consumer. Though they may appear overpackaged, all cannabis containers have to comply with strict public health guidelines.

Because the SQDC is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the packaging it sells, we have prepared a guide to help you properly dispose of your jars, bags, bottles, spray pumps and other cannabis product packaging at home.

Note : The advice offered in this guide is based on the best information available at the time of publication. It is always a good idea to check with your municipality to learn what materials are allowed in recycling bins.

Getting started

• Remember that the packaging of any and every product sold at the SQDC can be returned to an SQDC store for recycling under our in-store container recycling program.
• It’s best to empty your containers (in the trash or compost bin) before putting them in the recycling bin.
• We recommend keeping the lid or cover on the container when you put it in the recycling bin, even if the lid or cover is made from a different material.
• Whenever possible, give containers a second life by reusing them at home.

The Guide

The guide is available in a .PDF version and web-friendly version, below :

Download the guide - 62 Ko

Key – What these symbols mean

	Put in recycling bin The packaging has great recyclability potential.
	Put in recycling bin The packaging has limited recyclability potential due to its composition, its size or there being few opportunities for the recycled material.
	Put in the trash The packaging is not recyclable or is not compatible with the Québec selective collection system and risks contaminating other materials in the recycling bin.
	Return to an authorized return location Beverage containers are covered by the deposit-return system.

Plastic jar or tube

Plastic #1 (PET) opaque
Plastic #2 (HDPE)
Plastic #5 (PP)
Plastic #6 (PS)
Plastic #7 (other)

Note: You can identify the type of plastic by looking at the resin identification code usually found on the bottom of the container.

Note: Packaging made from #6 plastic can be recycled in some parts of Québec. Contact your municipality or ecocentre to learn if yours is one of them.

Glass or metal jar, metal or paperboard box

Glass and metal jar
Metal and paperboard box

Note: If the paperboard box has parts made from plastic or another material, it’s best to remove and dispose of them in the trash before putting the cardboard in the recycling bin.

Bag

Plastic bag
Laminated paper bag

Note: To maintain product freshness and prevent odours from escaping, bags are normally made from several layers of different materials, which significantly complicates the recycling process.

On the plus side, these bags use less raw materials, which reduces their environmental footprint.

Vial and spray pump

Glass vial
Plastic vial
Plastic spray pump

Note: Measuring devices (graduated droppers, for example) should be thrown out and not placed in the recycling bin. The vial can be recycled.

Note: If the vial is less than 5 centimetres tall, it’s best to toss it directly in the trash.

Glass beverage bottles and aluminum beverage cans

Glass bottles
Aluminum cans

Note: Cannabis beverages are considered soft drinks and are therefore covered by the public deposit-return system. This system sorts returned materials at the source in order to derive maximum value from them.

Summing up

Follow the recycling guidelines above and you’ll be able to properly dispose of all the packaging you obtain from the SQDC.

The many symbols and their meanings can be confusing. When in doubt, remember that you can always give a second life to your empty containers, spray pumps, bottles, bags and other product packaging by taking advantage of our in-store container recycling program.

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