The Food Waste Hierarchy

The Food Waste Hierarchy is a guideline for managing food waste responsibly. It prioritizes actions to minimize waste and its impacts: first, reduce waste by planning and buying only what’s needed; then reuse leftovers or food items when possible. If reuse isn't feasible, donate surplus food to those in need. If food cannot be reused or donated, it should be composted to return nutrients to the soil or used for other valuable purposes like energy production. Disposal in landfills or incineration is considered the least preferred option, as it contributes to environmental harm. The hierarchy encourages preventing waste and making the most of food resources.