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.

To help you, we’ve created a simple guide that explains how to properly recycle jars, pouches, bottles, sprays, vape product packaging, and other containers at home.

*The tips below are based on the best information available at the time this guide was produced. For greater accuracy, always check with your municipality to confirm what is accepted in your recycling bin.

Did you know the SQDC has a recycling program for the containers and packaging it sells?

With the exception of cans, bottles and vaping products (batteries, cartridges), all product containers and packing sold at the SQDC can be returned to an SQDC store and placed in the bins provided for the purpose, provided the containers are empty.

Please keep the covers on the containers, even if they’re made from different materials. Whether in the store and in your home recycling bin, this facilitates processing.

Whenever possible, give containers a second life by reusing them at home!

Learn about our in-store container and packaging recycling program.

Key – What these symbols mean

	Put in recycling bin The packaging has great recyclability potential.
	Best returned to an SQDC store The packaging is recyclable but harder to process due to its size or composition. It’s best to return it to an SQDC store so it can be handled through our specialized program.
	Return to an authorized return location Beverage containers are covered by the deposit-return system.
	Do not place in a conventional trash can Often electronic, these products should be returned to a specialized drop-off location and not mixed in with other waste.

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 and 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.

Vapes (batteries and cartridges)

Packaging
Battery
Cartridges

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.

Questions? Ask our advisors in-store, or chat with them online now.

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