Ireland
How much waste do we produce in Ireland each year?
The average waste generated by each Irish person is about 280 kilos each year. This is the same weight as 280 kilo bags of sugar, or three well fed sportsmen. This 280 kilos of waste is made up of organics (mainly food), recyclables (plastics, cardboard, paper, metals and glass) and general wastes.
Just over 1/3 of the waste we produce is due to organic materials. This is made up of mainly food wastes (31%) and garden waste (only about 6%). Each of us throws away roughly 100 kilos of organics each year which is the same weight as a chunky rugby player (or 100 kilo bags of sugar).
Even people who think they are doing very well with food management still waste a lot. Sometimes it can’t be helped but it is interesting to look at why food is thrown in the bin. The main reasons people give for throwing food out are:
The average waste generated by each Irish person is about 280 kilos each year. This is the same weight as 280 kilo bags of sugar, or three well fed sportsmen. This 280 kilos of waste is made up of organics (mainly food), recyclables (plastics, cardboard, paper, metals and glass) and general wastes.
Just over 1/3 of the waste we produce is due to organic materials. This is made up of mainly food wastes (31%) and garden waste (only about 6%). Each of us throws away roughly 100 kilos of organics each year which is the same weight as a chunky rugby player (or 100 kilo bags of sugar).
Even people who think they are doing very well with food management still waste a lot. Sometimes it can’t be helped but it is interesting to look at why food is thrown in the bin. The main reasons people give for throwing food out are:
- Left on the plate
- Passed its date
- Looked, smelt or tasted bad
- Mouldy
- Left over from cooking
The Food we Waste
We all generate Food Waste - at home, in school, at work, on the run...everywhere.
Nearly all this food waste is thrown in the bin, and while some is composted most of it ends up in the local landfill. In the landfill, rotting food decomposes to make methane and other gases. In addition to the smell, these are really bad greenhouse gases.
On average, wasted food costs each Irish household €700 a year. For some households this can be over €1,000! This is an unbelievable waste of money and food - think of the holidays you could have instead of throwing all this food out!
We all generate Food Waste - at home, in school, at work, on the run...everywhere.
Nearly all this food waste is thrown in the bin, and while some is composted most of it ends up in the local landfill. In the landfill, rotting food decomposes to make methane and other gases. In addition to the smell, these are really bad greenhouse gases.
On average, wasted food costs each Irish household €700 a year. For some households this can be over €1,000! This is an unbelievable waste of money and food - think of the holidays you could have instead of throwing all this food out!
The food we waste
Better buying - The planning stage and in the shops
Savvy Storage - how to get the most from your food at home
Canny cooking - tips and recipes for using food
Better buying - The planning stage and in the shops
Savvy Storage - how to get the most from your food at home
Canny cooking - tips and recipes for using food