Tackling Food Waste in Greenwich: A Borough-Wide effort for a Sustainable Future

Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today— and the numbers speak for themselves.

In London alone, around 33% of all food produced to supply the city is lost or wasted, with 67% of that being edible. This waste not only contributes to food insecurity, but also accounts for 10% of London’s consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions. Much of this food ends up in landfill, where it emits methane—a potent greenhouse gas—and squanders the energy, water, and labour that went into producing it.

In response to this urgent issue, the UK government is introducing new legislation under the Simpler Recycling initiative. From March 31, 2025, all businesses in England with 10 or more employees will be legally required to separate food waste from other waste streams. The goal: to improve recycling rates, reduce landfill use, and ensure food waste is more appropriately treated through methods like composting and anaerobic digestion.

hospitality, education, retail, community organisations, developers, social landlords, and workplaces.

Each Charter outlines simple but impactful steps organisations can take to become part of the borough-wide good food movement. When it comes to food waste, the Charters emphasise practical changes such as:

• Implementing food waste separation and recycling schemes

• Reducing surplus through improved stock management and menu planning

• Offering surplus food to community groups or food redistribution schemes

• Using compostable packaging and refill stations

• Educating staff and customers about waste reduction

These actions help businesses and organisations prepare for upcoming legislation, but more importantly, they contribute to a greener, more resilient borough.

Charters Leading by Example

A Local Response: How Good Food in Greenwich Is Leading the Way

Greenwich has long been at the forefront of progressive food work. As a founding member of the Sustainable Food Cities network (now Sustainable Food Places), the borough committed in 2012 to a systemic approach to food. By 2014, this work evolved into Good Food in Greenwich (GFiG)—a dynamic food partnership built on collaboration between individuals, businesses, public institutions, and community groups.

GFiG champions food that is good for people, the planet, and the local economy— and tackling food waste is central to that mission.

Charters as a Tool for Action

One of the most powerful tools developed by GFiG is its sector-specific Charters, which provide clear, actionable frameworks tailored to different sectors including

The Charters are especially relevant as the new regulations approach. They provide tailored support for settings where large amounts of food are handled daily, from office kitchens to convenience stores. By aligning waste practices with sustainability goals, these Charters help organisations lead by example while meeting compliance requirements.

Join the Movement

Good Food in Greenwich is more than a campaign—it’s a growing community of change-makers. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, school representative, or resident, there's a way to get involved and help reduce food waste across the borough.

Email: info@goodfoodingreenwich.org

Website: www.goodfoodingreenwich.org

Together, we can create a food system that is healthier, fairer, and far less wasteful—for Greenwich and for the planet.