Global Food Waste Management: An Implementation Guide for All Cities

The report highlights the pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges posed by food waste and provides actionable insights for cities aiming to address these issues. It outlines the multifaceted impacts of food waste, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and significant financial costs. Each year, an estimated one-third of global food production—approximately 1.6 billion tonnes—is wasted, leading to an economic loss of $2.6 trillion and contributing 8% to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The report emphasizes the importance of transitioning from linear to circular food waste management systems. It discusses the potential benefits of such systems, including renewable energy production, improved soil quality, reduced methane emissions, and enhanced food security. Cities are identified as pivotal actors in implementing these solutions due to their concentration of resources, infrastructure, and population accountability. As the global population becomes more urbanized, cities have the opportunity to lead sustainable waste management practices and influence broader policy frameworks.

Key recommendations include prioritizing food waste prevention, such as public awareness campaigns and regulatory incentives, and encouraging redistribution of surplus food to reduce avoidable waste. For unavoidable food waste, the report advocates separate collection and treatment using technologies like composting and anaerobic digestion (AD). AD, in particular, is highlighted for its ability to produce biogas and biofertilizers, contributing to renewable energy generation and nutrient recycling.

The report also examines global best practices, citing examples from cities like Milan, Copenhagen, and New York, which have successfully implemented food waste segregation and treatment programs. These case studies illustrate how legislative support, community engagement, and investment in infrastructure can yield significant environmental and economic benefits. Challenges such as cost barriers, lack of infrastructure, and public resistance are addressed with suggestions for policy reforms and collaborative approaches among stakeholders.

Lastly, the report stresses the urgency of action, aligning with international commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. It calls for cities to act decisively in reducing their carbon footprint through effective food waste management, warning that delays could lock in unsustainable practices that jeopardize climate targets. By leveraging their unique capacities, cities can transform food waste from an environmental liability into a valuable resource, setting a benchmark for global sustainable development.