Support Food Waste Action Week by reducing and recycling

Carrots in a bag next to a statistic stating 23% of the carrots we buy are wasted and the strapline buy loose, waste less.

Residents are being encouraged to take part in food waste action week (17–23 March) by reducing waste and making the most of their weekly food waste recycling collections.

More than 555 tonnes of food waste are already recycled in Reading every month, helping to generate renewable energy and bio-fertiliser, while reducing landfill and incineration. But small changes can make an even bigger impact.

Easy ways to reduce food waste

  • buy loose fruit and veg – reduce plastic and only buy what you need
  • portion food correctly – cook the right amount to avoid waste
  • store food properly – keep items fresh for longer to prevent spoilage

Make the most of food waste recycling

Weekly food waste collections are available for all houses and an increasing number of flats. Residents can recycle:

  • cooked and uncooked food (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggshells)
  • tea bags and coffee grounds
  • expired or mouldy food
  • uneaten pet food
  • cooking oil (cooled and sealed in a plastic bottle)

Any type of liner can be used, including carrier bags, bread bags, compostable liners, or paper bags. Free food waste liners are available at local libraries and leisure centres.

Councillor comments

Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety

“It’s brilliant news that Reading’s residents are recycling over 500 tonnes of food waste every month. But during Food Waste Action Week we’re asking people to see if they can do even more. The national messaging this year is to buy loose, as you’re then in control of how much you buy rather than getting pre-packaged amounts that may be too much.

Our additional messaging in Reading is to please put all food waste in your recycling caddy. This can include scraping and cleaning out jars to recycle the contents (and then taking the glass to bottle banks), all plate scrapings to save food going into your dishwasher, and tea bags and coffee grounds.

There’s no need to put any food waste into your grey bin, please recycle it!”

Last updated on 21/03/2025