Environmental impact of food waste
Food waste has environmental impacts and contributes to:
- land and soil being degraded
- water pollution
- resources being used faster than being replaced
- climate change
Encouraging patients to eat their food can lead to improved nutritional care and less food waste.
The Climate Action Plan sets a target for Ireland to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.
Remember: if you haven’t measured it, you can't manage it.
Measuring, monitoring and benchmarking waste in healthcare facilities
Food waste composting
Managers should ensure that healthcare sites have a food waste composting system and a brown food waste bins. This allows for the correct disposal of compostable catering items. It also ensures compliance with the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009.
To introduce a food waste composting system, contact the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
Resources
Best practice guidance
Best Practice on Food Waste Reduction (PDF, 3.82MB, 6 pages)
Fact sheet
Factsheet on food waste in Irish hospitals (PDF, 2MB, 4 pages)
Case studies
Mayo General Hospital: food waste prevention (PDF, 1MB, 3 pages)
St. Michael’s Hospital: food waste prevention programme overview (PDF, 1.49MB, 3 pages)