Methods of using a securable recycling receptacle for compliant disposal of regulated products

A method of recycling a cannabis container, comprising:

• locating a circular lid opening defined in a top surface of a lid of a securable recycling receptacle, wherein the circular lid opening has a diameter between 3.5 inches and 4 inches, wherein the diameter sizing permits a cannabis container to pass therethrough while preventing other larger sized non-cannabis containers and objects the size of an average adult hand from passing therethrough, and wherein:
• the securable recycling receptacle comprises a housing, the housing defining a housing cavity accessible by the circular lid opening;
• a first side of the lid is coupled to a first wall of the housing by a hinge;
• a locking mechanism is coupled to a second side of the lid and a second wall of the housing to secure the lid to the housing and to prevent unauthorized access to one or more cannabis containers stored in the housing cavity;
• and
• discarding the cannabis container through the circular lid opening and into the housing cavity, wherein the cannabis container was used to store cannabis.

A method of accessing cannabis containers stored in a securable recycling receptacle, comprising:

• unfastening a locking mechanism coupled to a housing of the securable recycling receptacle, wherein:
• the locking mechanism secures a lid to the housing,
• the housing defines a housing cavity storing the cannabis containers, and
• the lid comprises a lid opening on a top surface of the lid that allows limited access to the housing cavity;
• positioning the lid in an open position;
• and
• removing the cannabis containers from the housing cavity for recycling at a regulation-compliant recycling facility,
• wherein the method is compliant with U.S. state government cannabis consumer waste disposal laws and regulations.

A method of using a securable recycling receptacle to comply with United States state government regulations related to disposal of regulated recyclables that are configured to hold one or more controlled substances, comprising:

• locating the securable recycling receptacle, wherein the securable recycling receptacle comprises:
• a housing comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, wherein the front wall and the rear wall are opposing walls and the first sidewall is positioned between and connected to the rear wall and the front wall, and wherein the housing defines a housing cavity;
• a lid comprising a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, and a lid sidewall, wherein the lid rear wall is coupled to the rear wall by a hinge, and wherein the lid is configured to open and to provide access to the housing cavity by separating the lid front wall from the front wall;
• a circular opening defined in a top surface of the lid, wherein the circular opening provides limited access to the housing cavity when the lid is in a closed position;
• a key lock coupled to the first sidewall and the lid sidewall, wherein the key lock is configured to secure the lid to the housing to prevent unauthorized access to regulated recyclables stored inside the housing cavity, wherein a regulated recyclable is a container regulated by the United States government that is configured to hold a controlled substance, and wherein the controlled substance is defined by the United States government;
• and
• a key coupled to the rear wall by a tether, wherein the tether is fixedly coupled to the rear wall and the key is fixedly coupled to the tether, wherein the tether is coupled to the rear wall in a position proximate to the hinge and between the hinge and the first sidewall, and wherein the tether is a length that permits the key to unlock the key lock while the tether is fixedly coupled to the rear wall;
• and
• discarding a regulated recyclable through the circular opening.