First State Compassion rolls out new recycling program
In celebration of Earth Day, First State Compassion, Delaware’s pioneer medical marijuana dispensary, is going greener by recycling much of its Lewes and Wilmington packaging material into other sustainable products.
Medical dispensaries in most states, including Delaware, must follow firm state regulations that limit the different items that can be recycled, according to Haley Schell, regional director of retail operations at First State Compassion. “These regulations include not being able to accept product packaging back from patients; however, we are able to recycle most of our internal materials: large plastic jugs, netting and other various plastic items from operations,” said Schell.
FSC is working with Eco Plastic Products of Delaware, which makes various products such as benches from recycled materials. “We are excited to partner with Eco Plastics to create sustainable products. First State Compassion is already green but we are going greener,” Schell said. “Our first drop-off on April 9 weighed 114 pounds, which was collected in just one week and far exceeded our expectations.” She noted that if that pace continues, they can expect a monthly recycling drop-off weight of about 330 lbs. each month.
“Large plastic containers make up the bulk of our donated recyclables, in addition to plastic and inventory storage bags. Our goal is to continue finding ways to increase our sustainability so we can offer care not only to our patients but our environment too,” she said. “While at this time we cannot offer a recycling program for our product packaging due to state regulations, we believe this recycling initiative is a step in the right environmental direction.”
FSC is a medical marijuana industry pioneer and a charter member of the Delaware Marijuana Task Force. It operates Delaware’s first licensed medical marijuana distribution center, and the state’s first and largest cannabis-growing facility. Its locations in Wilmington and Lewes improve the quality of life of Delawareans by offering medical marijuana products that help manage pain and alleviate suffering. For more information, go to firststatecompassion.com or call 302-543-2100.
