How are food waste trends changing in 2024?
Food waste remains a major issue in the UK, with household and commercial waste leading to significant environmental impacts. However, recent trends reveal positive changes and growing awareness around food waste reduction. Let’s explore the five biggest shifts in UK food waste trends this year.
5 Ways UK Food Waste Trends Are Changing in 2024
1. Surplus Donations from Supermarkets Increase
More UK supermarkets are committing to food redistribution, a step that helps reduce waste and feed those in need. In 2024, stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose have launched or expanded their surplus donation programmes, often partnering with organisations like City Harvest. By donating unsold, edible food to charities, supermarkets reduce waste while supporting food-insecure families. Many stores now use tech to track surplus and make donations faster, helping more food reach communities that need it.
2. Composting Becomes a Household Habit
Composting at home has increased in popularity. Many UK households now compost their food scraps, a move that reduces landfill waste and contributes to a sustainable cycle of waste management. However, composting isn’t a complete solution. Improper composting techniques can release methane, a harmful greenhouse gas, especially if people don’t compost correctly. City Harvest continues to promote food rescue as a first step, suggesting that edible food should go to people in need before being composted.
3. Leftover Recipes Trend Online
Leftover-based recipes have gained traction on social media, with influencers and chefs encouraging people to use every ingredient. Popular platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase quick ideas for using items like vegetable stems, bread ends, or overripe fruits. The trend also aligns with UK organisations’ messages to reduce household waste. City Harvest promotes these recipes too, sharing ideas with volunteers, communities, and followers to encourage mindful cooking and meal planning.
4. Faster Spoilage of Fresh Produce
Due to climate change, certain crops are more susceptible to spoiling quickly, a factor contributing to food waste. Higher temperatures, irregular rainfall, and shorter growing seasons in the UK affect produce shelf life and lead to increased food loss during transportation and storage. City Harvest and its partners address this by rescuing surplus fresh produce and delivering it quickly to communities. By distributing perishable foods promptly, City Harvest maximises their usability and reduces waste.
5. Food Rescue Apps Continue to Grow
Apps like Too Good To Go, OLIO, and Karma connect users with surplus food from local businesses, offering low-cost options while reducing waste. These apps attract a variety of users, from budget-conscious consumers to environmentally aware individuals. By making surplus food affordable, they help reduce food loss. City Harvest aligns with this trend by rescuing large volumes of food and distributing it to those who can’t access app-based rescue options. This way, we make rescued food available to everyone, including those without access to technology.
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!
