Cannabis plants that contain the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are legal in the state of California for medical and recreational use. However, cannabis is federally considered a Schedule I illegal drug. For this reason, all aspects of the industry are heavily regulated, including its waste management. This page provides guidance specifically on how to prepare cannabis plant cuttings/trimmings and edibles for composting, however, some cannabis waste companies offer comprehensive waste management services. Please see the list below the map for more information. Other pages on our website also have details on disposal of non-compostable items.
Photo by Matteo Paganelli
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) was established in 2021 as a single, new state department after consolidating three state cannabis programs: the Bureau of Cannabis Control, CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, and CDPH’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch. Learn more about the consolidation here. The DCC combined three sets of regulations into the California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Division 19 Department of Cannabis. Section 17223 specifically outlines how businesses are responsible for proper management of cannabis waste.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 17223. Cannabis Waste Management
Please check and adhere to state regulations for compost facilities and operations; they may vary based on size of the operation. Please also see below for state regulations regarding cannabis disposal, and what materials are and are not acceptable to mix with cannabis waste in order to render it "unrecognizable and unusable".
Although the information is mostly for residents, our Home Composting or Worm Composting pages may have some helpful information.
Cannabis waste can be placed into a regular green dumpster along with other yard debris and food scraps for composting. Make sure to remove all packaging so there is no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous waste. If you prefer a specialized cannabis hauler instead, the following companies offer comprehensive cannabis waste services and pick up in Sonoma County:
See list below map for contact info.
See below for a map and list of disposal sites that will take cannabis for composting. Make sure all materials are secure in the vehicle and will not blow away in the wind. The cannabis waste mixture should be loose or in paper bags. Do not use plastic bags as facilities will not accept them for composting.
DO mix cannabis plant trimmings and edibles with the following.
The regulations state that cannabis waste must be rendered "unusable." For plant trimmings, edibles, and other cannabis waste that can be composted, be sure to only use the following. This requirement is meant to discourage people from trying to scavenge and consume cannabis waste. Rendering must be done under video surveillance unless conducting cannabis cultivation.
Note: All non-compostable packaging should be removed.
Do NOT mix cannabis plant trimmings and edibles with any of the following.
Mixing cannabis waste with these materials will prevent plant materials and edibles from being composted at best, or made hazardous and require special disposal and increased costs at worst.
This plan describes the methods your business plans to dispose of cannabis waste as it is generated. Consider engaging a cannabis-specific consultant or waste company for assistance. See below the map for a non-exhaustive list of options.
This can be a locked dumpster, refuse room, dumpster enclosure, etc. Only the licensee, employees, and the contracted waste hauler should have access.
If the cannabis waste is getting picked up by a hauler, proof of service is all you need. If you are self-hauling, be sure to get a weight ticket or receipt. The Department of Cannabis Control may request records at any time.
Photo by Margo Amala
Reuse organization
Annapolis Transfer Station (Disposal and Recycling)
33549 Annapolis Rd.
Annapolis, CA 94952
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged the yard debris rate. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
For current rates, see Fee Schedule
Cannabis Waste Solutions
NotesPick-up: plant trimmings and edibles. May pick up other cannabis related wastes. Call for details
Cold Creek Compost
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles, 5 cubic yard minimum. $45 minimum charge. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
Easy Waste Management
NotesPick-up: plant trimmings, edibles, hazardous cannabis by-products, and all other type of cannabis waste. Call for quote and more information on services
GAIACA Waste Revitalization
NotesPick-up: plant trimmings, stalks, stems, leaves, edibles, failed product, hazardous cannabis waste, vape pens, post-extracted plant material, waste water. Call or visit website for more information
Grab N' Grow Soil Products
2759 Llano Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings only. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
Guerneville Transfer Station (Disposal and Recycling)
13450 Pocket Canyon Dr./Hwy. 116
Guerneville, CA 95446
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged the yard debris rate. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
For current rates, see Fee Schedule
Healdsburg Transfer Station (Disposal and Recycling)
166 Alexander Valley Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged the yard debris rate. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
For current rates, see Fee Schedule
Napa Recycling
820 Levitin Way
American Canyon, CA 94503
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged yard debris rate, minimum $21. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
Republic Services/Global Materials Recovery Services
3899 Santa Rosa Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged the yard debris rate. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
Sonoma Transfer Station (Disposal and Recycling)
4376 Stage Gulch Rd.
Sonoma, CA 94956
NotesDrop-off: plant trimmings and edibles. Will be charged the yard debris rate. Must remove all packaging; no contamination with plastic, metal, glass, or hazardous wastes.
For current rates, see Fee Schedule
