Most of us don’t intend to waste food. However, food waste makes up almost 50% of what we put in our red household bins. And the average household throws away $2,500 worth of food each year.

Wasting food also wastes energy, water and other resources that go into making, storing and transporting that food. And when food decomposes in landfill, it releases methane - a greenhouse gas – that dramatically contributes to global warming.

What can we do about it?

Reducing food waste is a priority for Council, as outlined in our Waste & Circular Economy Strategy 2040. 

And we want to help you do the same and have a positive impact on your pocket and the planet.

The Great Unwaste, developed by End Food Waste Australia, is a nationwide behaviour change campaign designed to inspire and support all Australians to reduce food waste in their homes - with useful tips and recipes to reduce food waste and save money, including;

• Pack it, stack it and chill it – storing and labelling help you use your food up.
• Plan meals – be prepared and reduce your food waste.
• Stick to the list – avoid impulse food buys that you don’t need.
• First in, first out – eat older food before the new stuff.
• Cook just right – try to prepare the right amount rather than too much.

Still have food scraps? 

1. Try home composting or use a worm farm. Council offers a $90 voucher toward the purchase of a worm farm or compost bin for attending a composting and worm farming workshop at Kimbriki .  
2. Introduce backyard chickens to your place. 
3. Learn to pickle, preserve and create food leftover recipes.
4. Try your local community garden. please contact the garden to ensure they are accepting food scraps.
5. Join a community-run food scrap recycling program like Peels to connect you with local composters or people who can donate food scraps to you.

How to reduce food waste videos

• Cooking with food scraps by chef Suzanne Lambert
• Reduce food waste with storage tips 

How to reduce food waste videos