Auxly Cannabis Group (XLY.V) and Greentec team up to provide cannabis retailers a solution to their problem of recycling vape pens, cartridges and batteries, according to a press release.

The sustainability initiative is being spearheaded by Kolab Project, which is the company’s brand for providing cannabis products, while also championing arts, culture and design.

“We are so proud to partner with Greentec, a leader in environmentally responsible e-waste recycling – to offer this important vape recycling solution to the entire industry. Building on our introduction of 100% biodegradable vape and pre-roll-packaging, this Kolab Project vape hardware recycling initiative furthers our efforts to improve environmental stewardship within the cannabis industry, and we look forward to working with Canada’s retail community and consumers to roll-out this program nationally,” said Hugo Alves, CEO of Auxly.

Kolab Project-branded E-waste bins will be available in Spiritleaf and Superette stores later on this summer, and in the coming months after they onboard a few more retailers. These bins accept vapes, cartridges and batteries from all licensed producers. Spiritleaf is the dispensary arm of Inner Spirit Holdings (ISH.C).

“This partnership reflects our commitment to the circular economy, diverting vaping products from our landfills for proper recycling at the Greentec facility. By working directly with producers through this program, we ensure these materials are recycled to the highest health, safety and environmental standards,” said Tony Perrotta, president and CEO, Greentec.

Auxly’s vaping products, including Kolab Project and Foray, have been tested for contaminants, including heavy metals leaching and emissions. Also, Kolab Project’s packaging for its vape pens, cartridges and cannabis pre-rolls, is completely biodegradable.

“The environmental impact of vape products has been a hot topic for us at Superette. Kolab Project has a tangible solution that addresses this and demonstrates true industry leadership from Auxly and Greentec. We are excited to be a participating retailer and look forward to finally accepting vapes and cartridges for recycling at our Ottawa and Toronto stores!” according to Mimi Lam, CEO and co-founder of Superette.

Greentec is an e-waste company involved in the refurbishment, destruction and recycling of electronics and the safe recovery of rare earth metals. They’ve been around since 1995 and now employ 80 workers, and use a proprietary optical sorting system.

—Joseph Morton