As Canada’s cannabis industry booms, it’s also creating a tremendous amount of packaging waste – Today, The Niagara Herbalist announces their Cannabis Packaging Buy-Back Program. They will be accepting returns of all recyclable cannabis packaging purchased at any licensed dispensary in the province. Customers will receive a store credit of $0.10 for any glass jars or bottles, and $0.05 for any plastic jars or other recyclable outer-packaging such as cardboard containers, plastic preroll or vaporizer containers, aluminum cans, plastic bottles etc.This program is the first of its kind in the cannabis space and was brought to life after The Niagara Herbalist worked closely with the Environmental Management and Assessment program at Niagara College to explore alternative ways of making their business more sustainable. Their aim with the program isto divert cannabis packaging waste, which otherwise would have ended up in landfills, and recycling it into a variety of products and giving it a second life – ultimately not adding to an existing problem but creating a solution. The addition of a buy-back element like that of The Beer Store is what sets this program apart.

“People deserve to be rewarded for taking steps towards living more sustainably, and we’re trying to do our part by taking on the costs of compensating our customers for their initiative” says Jessica Bonilla, one of the owners of The Niagara Herbalist.

“This is an area in which we’re able to make a difference, so we want to do whatever we can to ensure we are working towards a future where the cannabis industry as a whole can be more sustainable.”

The program launches today, November 15th, 2021. Customers are asked to ensure their returns and packaging are empty, free of contamination, chemicals, garbage, debris, non-returnable containers and other material.

About The Niagara Herbalist:

The Niagara Herbalist is a locally owned and operated cannabis retail store based in St. Catharines, Ontario. They were the first legal cannabis store to open in the province, along with 9 others in April 2019. They are family owned and operated, with no  external investment in their business. All their staff are paid a living wage and receive full benefits. They offer cannabis and accessories at conscious prices, catering to consumers from all walks of life. Whether you are a first time or experienced consumer, or you simply want to learn more, you can expect a comfortable and welcoming environment at The Niagara Herbalist. They are firmly rooted in the Niagara region with family businesses and operations dating back to the 1950’s, thus, they understand and care about the needs of our region. They are active in the community and give back at every chance they get. They want the community to see The Niagara Herbalist as a place where they are treated with respect, dignity, and honesty.