Reducing food waste

Food waste is a significant problem. Research shows that nearly a quarter of the average general waste bin in Hertfordshire is made up of food waste. Most of this waste is still edible - not just peelings and eggshells, but food that could have been eaten if managed better. By reducing food waste, each household could save up to £720 a year, which is about £60 per month.

Reducing food waste also helps combat climate change. When we waste food, we waste the energy and water used to grow, harvest, transport, and package it. And food that ends up in landfill rots and produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is even more harmful than carbon dioxide.

#WorthSaving campaign

We think both food and money are #WorthSaving. That's why we support Hertfordshire Waste Partnership’s goal to reduce food waste found in general waste bins by 20 per cent by 2025, compared to 2020 levels.

Visit the Hertfordshire WasteAware website to find out more about the #WorthSaving campaign, sign up to the five-week newsletter and enter to win prizes. 

Most wasted foods

The top five most wasted foods are:

• Fresh fruit
• Meat and fish
• Bread and bakery products
• Dairy produce
• Rice and pasta
  

Four steps to save food and money

You can save food and money by making small changes to your habits. Here are four simple steps:

1. Plan - Check your fridge and cupboards before making a shopping list and plan your week's meals in advance. 
2. Shop - Buy what you need. Stick to your shopping list and resist the multi-buy bargains if you won't eat it all. It's not a bargain if it goes in the bin.
3. Store - Store in the best way. Discover the best way to store different foods by using Love Food Hate Waste's Food Storage A-Z.
4. Eat - Eat what you have. Use a portion planner to cook the right sized meals and use up leftovers by using a recipe finder. 

Spread the #WorthSaving message

You can download leaflets and posters from the #WorthSaving web page.We also offer short talks, interactive sessions, and event materials for schools and community groups interested in learning how to save food and money.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to attend with a stall, email recycle@dacorum.gov.uk to arrange a visit or request resources. 

Community Fridges in Dacorum

Community Fridges are communal spaces where perishable food can be shared rather than wasted. We have two Community Fridges in Dacorum where food is given out free of charge every week. See below for more details.

The food, which can no longer be sold but is still good to eat, is sourced from a range of shops around Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead.

Open Door Community Fridge
When: 10am to midday, every Tuesday
Where: Outside the front of Open Door, 360-364 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 1HU

Highfield Community Centre
When: 11am to midday, every Wednesday and Saturday
Where: Highfield Community Centre, Fletcher Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 5SB

Your food waste tips

Here are some tips from residents on reducing food waste. Have a tip to share? Email us at recycle@dacorum.gov.uk.

Love Food Hate Waste

Love Food Hate Waste is a national campaign that offers handy tips, advice and recipes for using leftovers to help everyone waste less food. Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for more information.