Cut food waste and save money

Food bins

Do you have leftover fruit and vegetables sitting at the back of your fridge, destined for the bin? You’re not alone.

This Food Waste Action Week we’re sharing how small changes can make a big difference.

Surrey Environment Partnership reported that 4.7 million tonnes of edible food is thrown away by UK households every year - that’s one in every five bags of food wasted each week.

And the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)’s research tells us that if all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose, we could save 60,000 tonnes of food waste annually.

What can we do to help?

With just a few simple swaps, you can reduce food waste, save money, and help the environment:

  • Buy loose seasonal produce – Many supermarkets offer fruits, vegetables, and baked goods without packaging. This helps you buy only what you need. Buying seasonal food means you’re more likely to be taking home food grown in the UK so it will have travelled less miles than if it’s come from another country. That helps reduce the impact on the environment.
  • Plan meals before shopping – An average family of four could save £83 a month by reducing the amount of food they waste. Make a list and stick to it to avoid buying more than necessary.
  • Avoid plastic wrap – Choose paper bags if they are provided or invest in reusable bags.
  • Every cook needs a caddy – If you do have food to throw away, remember to use your food waste caddy. Food scraps can be used to generate electricity, heat and transport fuel. Please don’t put leftover food in your refuse or recycling bin. If it gets mixed in with the recycling, it can mean everything in the bin has to be dumped.

If you have food that's still good or is long lasting but you decide not to use, consider donating it to a local food bank or community fridge to support those in need.

Be part of the solution

Reducing food waste is a win for your wallet, your community, and the planet.

Find out more about our Food waste collection service and what’s available in your community, and for more tips on reducing food waste, visit:

Published: 21 March 2025