Why cut down on food waste?

  • good for your purse - the average family of four can save just over £60 per month by reducing their food waste.
  • good for the environment - reducing food waste helps slow down global warming. If global food waste were a country, it would be third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the US. By using up every edible bit of your food, you’re doing your bit to look after the environment

Saving on food waste is easy! Just follow these 6 simple step

Step 1 - plan ahead

Shopping without a plan or a list means we may be more likely to buy more than we need – food that could end up in the bin. Planning your meals ahead will help you save money  - and time as well

Step 2 - only buy what you need

Take stock of your fridge, freezer and cupboard and the dates on existing food before you plan your meals. It will help you decide what meals to make and will also stop you from adding food items to your shopping list that you already have and don’t need!

Step 3 - store correctly

Storing food properly can extend the life of your food by days, weeks or even months of extra life. Be sure to keep your fridge below 5 degrees and remember there’s not much that can’t be frozen until it’s needed. Wrapping and labelling food that goes into the freezer plays a big part in whether it is used or thrown away at a later date.

Step 4 - cook the right amount

It’s easy to cook that bit too much for dinner, especially with rice, potatoes and pasta. It’s handy to know that a quarter of a mug of rice is usually enough for one adult portion. Remember there are lots of tips about portion sizes on the Love Food Hate Waste website.

Step 5 - eat it all or store leftovers for later

Leftovers will last up to 2 days in the fridge or can be frozen for another time. The Love Food Haste Waste website has a huge range or tasty recipes that use up leftovers. Or get creative and try something new!

Step 6 - recycle what you can’t eat

You can recycle your food waste using our weekly food waste service and the great news is it’s converted into energy for local businesses. Most types of food can be put into your food bin, including fruit and vegetable peelings, tea-bags, plate scrapings and even bones. Find out more about the service, including how to get a new kitchen caddy or food bin if you need one.

Also, remember that home composting is still the best way to deal with your uncooked fruit and vegetable waste. See details on our current compost bin offers.