Cannabis Packaging & Sustainability: How Washington Cannabis Brands Are Reducing Waste
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Lazy Bee Gardens
Quick Answer: Cannabis in Washington must be sold in child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging—rules that often rely on plastics and mixed materials that are hard to recycle. In response, many Washington brands are experimenting with eco-friendly packaging alternatives, waste-reduction strategies, and consumer education to balance compliance, safety, and sustainability.
Cannabis legalization brought innovation to products. However, it also brought a whole lot of packaging too.
In Washington, where safety and compliance are paramount, the industry is now grappling with how to reduce waste without breaking the rules.
So how is cannabis packaged in Washington State? Why is recycling cannabis packaging so difficult?
And how are cannabis businesses adapting to incorporate more sustainable packaging for their products?
Image credit:Jonathan Olsen-Koziol
How Is Cannabis Packaged in Washington State?
Washington’s cannabis packaging rules are among the strictest in the country.
Products must be:
Child-resistant
Tamper-evident
Opaque (for most products)
Clearly labeled with required warnings and test results
As a result, many products are sold in plastic jars, tubes, pouches, or multi-layer containers.
While these materials protect consumers and prevent diversion, they also contribute to packaging waste—especially for single-use items like pre-roll tubes and vape packaging.
Image credit: Sigmund
Why Is Recycling Cannabis Packaging Difficult?
Even when packaging looks recyclable, it often isn’t.
Common challenges include:
Mixed materials: Plastic combined with foil, paper, or rubber seals
Small formats: Many items are too small for standard recycling sorters
Contamination concerns: Cannabis residue can disqualify items from recycling streams
Local recycling limits: Not all municipalities accept the same plastics
In Washington, these issues mean much cannabis packaging ends up in landfills—even when consumers want to recycle responsibly.
Image credit: mockupbee
What Types of Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternatives Are in Use?
Despite the hurdles, Washington brands are testing more sustainable approaches, including:
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics to reduce virgin plastic use
Glass jars that can be reused or recycled locally
Paper-based outer packaging paired with compliant inner containers
Some brands are also downsizing packaging, eliminating unnecessary layers while still meeting compliance standards.
Image credit: OZ Sparx
Sustainability as Shared Responsibility
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the brand level. Consumers play a role too:
Reuse containers for storage or household items
Check local recycling rules before tossing packaging
Support brands that prioritize sustainable practices
In a regulated market like Washington, progress happens incrementally—but each improvement matters.
Image credit: Perry Gilchrist
The Bottom Line on Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
Cannabis packaging in Washington is designed for safety first—but sustainability is becoming a close second.
As brands innovate and consumers stay informed, the industry continues moving toward solutions that protect people, products, and the planet.
Image credit: Weedmaps
Where can I find sustainably made cannabis products?
Whether you’re shopping online or in Redmond, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.
That includes sustainably grown cannabis products!
Currently we carry sun grown, pesticide-free smokeable flower, pre rolls and concentrates from Lazy Bee Gardens.
Image credit: Blaise Creative
What makes Lazy Bee Gardens Special?
Lazy Bee Gardens believes in conservation and making a difference in the fight against climate change.
That’s why they grow the very best outdoor, pesticide free flower using sustainable farming practices and package every product in recyclable containers.
Want to learn more? Visit their website at: https://lazybeegardens.com/home
Want to buy some today? Click on our online menu link below to see our current availability.
Want to learn more?
Then check out our related posts here!
Need help picking out a product? Then ask our friendly budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.