Food Waste

Food waste is estimated to be 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States. This is based on USDA estimates of 31 percent food loss at the retail and consumer levels. Food waste is food fit for consumption but is discarded, not eaten, or unable to be used.

Prepping for a feast? Many gatherings have some wasted food. Check out our blog post on preparing a large meal to have little to no waste.

Is the food still in usable condition? See local donation options for food.

Food Waste Collection Service

Residential food waste can be composted through services offered by Rust Belt Riders. The company has drop-off locations and a subscription service for weekly curbside pick-up, including in some communities. Compost services are available for a small fee. Find a location or see more detailsabout the service. City service departments may have a list of sites in your area.

Businesses with food waste, perishables, and other organics can compost in a commercial food waste facility, including local digesters and waste-to-energy solutions. See the Business list below.

Home Composting of Food Waste

You can learn more about composting food waste at home.

After Halloween, the Solid Waste District offers a pumpkin composting collection program for unwanted pumpkins and gourds. This seasonal program started in 2023 with a pilot collection in three locations. See details.

Food Waste Apps

Grocers are working to end food waste.

• Too Good To Go food waste app helps reduce food waste at local restaurants by connecting businesses to consumers. Launched in Ohio in August 2024, customers use the app to buy reduced-price “Surprise Bags” of leftover food that's still edible. Read the story. 
• Flashfood partners with major grocery stores to sell meat, produce, and prepared foods at big discounts on Flashfood, our partners ensure that surplus items – whether seasonal, overstocked, or nearing expiration — end up on dinner tables, not in the landfill. Download the Flashfood app for more details.

Food Waste Education and Resources

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) provides information and resources about food waste reduction at Save More Than Food.

Hamilton County has information about food waste reduction at Food Waste Stops With Us.
 

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