Over 750,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in Ireland in 2022, according to the EPA who said Ireland has not significantly tackled the problem since 2020.
Ireland’s food waste per person is higher than the EU average of 130kg per person. In Ireland, 146kg of food is wasted per capita.
The cost of food waste per household amounts to €60 per month or €700 per year.
Business and the industries involved in the food supply chain were responsible for the majority (70pc) of the food waste, while just 30pc of the waste came from households.
Within the food industry, restaurants and food services alone were responsible for 21pc of the total waste, or 157,000 tonnes.
Hotels had the highest rate of food waste, with vegetables being the most wasted food (11pc), followed by bread, meat and potatoes.
While retail and distribution businesses in the food sector was responsible for 12pc of the waste generated in 2022.
National reporting of food waste has taken place for the last three years and the rate of waste has not changed since recording began.
The latest figures are also just marginally better than 2021 when 753,000 tonnes of food waste was generated.
Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability David Flynn said food and drink businesses need to do more to prevent food waste.
“As a nation, Ireland is wasting too much food – over one million meals a day – which is a significant resource and economic loss,” Mr Flynn said.
“With 70pc of food waste generated by food & drink businesses across the supply chain, there is a clear obligation on this sector to focus on preventing food waste.
“Signing up to the EPA’s Food Waste Charter is a positive statement that your business is serious about taking action to measure and reduce food waste.”
Warren Phelan, Programme Manager, EPA Circular Economy Programme said the rollout and use of brown bins across the country is an important part of how Ireland tackles food waste.
“Waste collectors are obliged to provide their household customers with a food waste collection service since January 2024,” Mr Phelan said.
“Greater coverage and rollout of the organic waste bin is key to segregating food waste and increasing recycling through composting and anaerobic digestion.
“Food waste costs households an average of €700 per year.
Knowing the food you waste is the first step to prevent waste at home and the EPA’s Stop Food Waste programme provides lots of practical information to support householders.”
