MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, by taking steps to reduce food waste, save money and keep food out of landfills.
The DNR’s 2020-21 statewide waste characterization study found that wasted food was the largest component of trash sent to Wisconsin landfills. About 854,000 tons of food waste and scraps — approximately 294 pounds per Wisconsin resident — were landfilled in 2020.
Food waste made up about 30% of residential trash. As food breaks down in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
A recent Environmental Protection Agency report estimated that food waste costs each U.S. consumer an average of $728 per year.
“Through food waste prevention, Wisconsinites have a major opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while saving money on their grocery bills,” said Kate Strom Hiorns, director of the DNR’s Waste and Materials Management Program. “Food Waste Prevention Week is a great time to look at how you can reduce the amount of food you throw away.”
The DNR recommends understanding date labels before throwing food away. Most date labels are not federally regulated and generally indicate when a product is expected to be at its best quality, rather than when it becomes unsafe. Infant formula is an exception. Consumers should follow food safety guidance and examine products for signs of spoilage before deciding whether to discard them.
Planning meals and checking the pantry and refrigerator before shopping can also help reduce waste. The DNR recommends creating a specific grocery list, planning portions for gatherings and avoiding impulse purchases.
Proper food storage can extend the life of food and reduce the need for additional grocery trips. Organizing the refrigerator can also help ensure older items are used first.
Residents can track the amount of food they throw away and use that information to develop strategies for reducing waste.
The DNR recommends using resources from the University of Wisconsin Extension, Save the Food, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the EPA for additional guidance on shopping, food storage and food waste prevention.
More information is available on the DNR’s Reducing Food Waste at Home webpage.
