Small households across the South Island have been increasingly facing food waste challenges.
Research into FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) bin use has revealed that smaller homes often overcook or buy too much food, leading to uneaten leftovers and spoiled produce.
Food scraps sent to landfills produce methane gas, a potent contributor to climate change. By empowering councils and households with practical solutions and support, there is an opportunity to significantly reduce food waste, cut emissions, and progress toward New Zealand's environmental commitments.
The research commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment highlighted positive trends in using FOGO bins to keep food scraps out of landfills. Currently, 85 percent of households supplied with council FOGO bins across the South Island use them, and nearly 62 percent rely on them as their primary disposal method for food scraps.
However, only ten percent of FOGO bin capacity has been typically used for food waste, suggesting a missed opportunity for greater utilisation.
“This report underscores the vital role of research-driven initiatives in shaping effective waste minimisation policies and projects, helping us achieve crucial environmental goals,” said Juno Scott-Kelly of Love Food Hate Waste NZ.
"Kerbside composting could divert thousands of tonnes of organic waste from landfills, cutting methane emissions—a major driver of climate change. Without these initiatives, we risk falling behind on climate action and waste reduction targets.”
While many people know the environmental damage caused by plastics, fewer realise the staggering impact of food waste.
Sending just one kilogram of food waste to landfills can produce the same carbon emissions as burying 25,000 half-litre plastic bottles.
The research revealed that households commonly waste fruit and vegetables. Items like bananas, salad greens, and broccoli often spoil due to over-purchasing or improper storage. Bulk purchases also result in food expiring before it can be consumed.
Factors such as a lack of meal planning, impulsive shopping, and oversized pre-packaged goods have exacerbated the issue within smaller households.
"Households with one or two people face unique challenges in managing food quantities. But with a few small changes, they can save food and money and help keep their food waste out of landfills."
Love Food Hate Waste NZ has contributed through innovative and impactful behaviour change campaigns. Using insights from this research, they have pulled together practical tips for smaller households to reduce food waste.
- Plan Your Portions: Use a meal planner and portion calculator to cook only what you need. Freeze extra portions for future meals.
- Pro Tip: Freeze soups or stews in ice cube trays for quick, individual servings.
- Organise Your Fridge: Create an “Eat Me First” shelf for items nearing expiration. Keep perishable goods visible and accessible.
- Shop Smart: Write a shopping list and stick to it. Buy loose produce instead of pre-packaged amounts that may be too large for your needs.
- Plan to use your leftovers: Turn last night’s roast veggies into a breakfast frittata or use overripe bananas for muffins.
- Preserve for the Future: Freeze bread in slices and blanch excess vegetables for later use.
The environmental and financial costs of food waste in New Zealand have been staggering. Food sent to landfills produces methane, while households lose an estimated NZD 1,500 annually from wasted food. Nationally, over NZD 3.2 billion worth of good food is in the bin annually.
"Reducing food waste is one of the simplest ways households can save money and fight climate change. Using FOGO bins effectively and embracing waste reduction practices inside the home can make a big difference."
