In Ireland there is over one million tonnes of food waste disposed of each year. Around 1/3 of this comes from households. Every household in Ireland is responsible for 117 kg of Food Waste. The cost per household is between €400
In Ireland there is over one million tonnes of food waste disposed of each year. Around 1/3 of this comes from households. Every household in Ireland is responsible for 117 kg of Food Waste. The cost per household is between €400 and €1000 per year.
There are 3 types of food waste thrown out:
- 60% is Avoidable food waste - Plate scrapings, leftovers, gone off fruit and veg and passed its date perishables
- 20 % is Potentially Avoidable food waste – things like bread crusts, potato skins
- 20% is Unavoidable food waste – general rubbish such as banana skins and chicken bones
In recognition of the agreement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 and the Circular Economy Package, Minister Naughton indicated that he wished to promote food waste prevention efforts nationally. As a result of this commitment, work is now ongoing to develop a suitable initiative that builds on the work already underway within the National Waste Prevention Programme and the local authority system.
The EPA hosted its 2nd Forum on Food Waste in Dublin on 9th March, 2017, where the Minister announced a number of proposals to address the problem of food waste in Ireland.