Why food waste matters

Recycling food waste: Small actions, big impact

Recycling food waste at home is a simple yet powerful way to support a greener, more sustainable future.

Recycle all food waste using your kitchen food waste caddy. This food waste is then recycled into compost in Belfast.

By using a dedicated food waste bin, knowing what can and cannot be recycled, and taking part in local initiatives, you play an active role in reducing food waste and its environmental impact.

Food waste bags

We provide free food waste bags for kitchen caddies.

Environmental impact of food waste

When we waste food, we’re not just throwing away leftovers. We’re also wasting the water, energy, land and labour used to grow, transport and prepare that food. Reducing food waste is one of the easiest ways households can lower their environmental impact while saving money.

Ways to reduce food waste at home

You can make changes that will help you reduce food waste:

• plan meals and write a food shopping list to avoid buying more than you need
• check cupboards, fridges and freezers before food shopping
• store food correctly to keep it fresher for longer
• reuse leftovers in meals instead of putting them in food waste

By eating well, serving moderate-sized portions and wasting less food, we can protect the environment, save money, and enjoy our food more every day.

Best before and use by dates

It's important to understand dates on food packaging or labels.

A 'best before' date relates to quality. It is usually safe to eat the food after this date. 

A 'use by' date refers to food safety. You should not eat the food when this date has expired.

Recipe books with smart cooking ideas

We have created two free recipe books to help families and small households reduce food waste. The Thrifty Kitchen and Solo books focus on budget-friendly, easy recipes to encourage people to cook at home and save up to £250 a year.

Both books have:

• quick and easy ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• recipes that use common cupboard and fridge-freezer ingredients
• tips on food storage and understanding date labels
• meal-planning ideas to reduce food waste
• reminders to recycle food waste that can’t be eaten

You can collect a printed book from our reception in:

Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast BT2 8BP

To ask for an email copy, email [email protected].

Healthy eating and portion sizes

To read information on eating a balanced diet and portion sizes, go to Eat well (link opens in new window).