It's Food Waste Prevention Week! Join us in reducing food waste with these tips.





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Recycling and Garbage Newsletter




Save money and reduce food waste

It's National Food Waste Prevention Week! We're joining statewide efforts to cut food waste in half by 2030, and we need your help to get there. 

Food waste costs the average household about $1,500 a year. And it’s not just your wallet that pays the price. Food waste also has a big impact on the environment. When we send food to the landfill, it breaks down to create methane—a harmful greenhouse gas. You can be part of the solution with our food waste reductions tips.

Did you know? [ [link removed] ]





Be a savvy shopper

Planning your meals will not only reduce food waste but also help stretch your grocery budget.

Plan before you cook

Start by checking what food you already have and create an "eat soon" area in your fridge and pantry for items at risk of spoiling. Then, plan meals using these items with our meal planning guide [ [link removed] ].

Cook what you have 

If your items are starting to spoil, get creative with recipes. From turning mushy tomatoes into tomato gravy or brown bananas into banana bread—there are so many possibilities! 

*Find recipes** [ [link removed] ]

Fruit and veggie divider




Store and preserve food properly

Keep it fresh

Storing foods the right way keeps them fresh for as long as possible. Some fruits and veggies love a cool dark home, while some prefer to be stored on the counter. Learn how to maximize freshness with our food storage guide [ [link removed] ]. 

Understand date labels on food

Date labels on food are confusing and create unnecessary food waste. Except for infant formula, food that is stored properly may still be safe to eat if the date passes and until spoilage is evident. When in doubt, toss the item in the compost or garbage.

*Learn what food labels mean* [ [link removed] ]






Food Storage Guide [ [link removed] ]
Food storage guide

The shelf life of your food can depend on where and how you store it. 




USDA FoodKeeper App [ [link removed] ]

Food storage, cooking, and safety

U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodKeeper App [ [link removed] ] helps you maximize freshness and quality of your food. 






Help others, donate

Food banks in Kitsap Map [ [link removed] ]

When you donate food, it goes to people who need it instead of the landfill. You can donate many non-perishable and unspoiled perishable foods to local food banks, pantries, and shelters.  

What to donate

* Shelf-stable food
* Fresh produce
* Ask your food pantry what items they need.
* Foods prepared by licensed establishments, processors, and donor kitchens.

For more information on donating food safely, visit UseFoodWell.org [ [link removed] ]. 



*Find a food bank* [ [link removed] ]

Fruit and veggie divider




Compost your food scraps

Food scraps in the landfill quickly break down to create methane – a powerful greenhouse gas. When methane is released into the atmosphere, it affects the earth’s temperature and climate system (EPA, 2021 [ [link removed] ]). EPA estimates that wasted food creates 58% of methane emissions [ [link removed] ] from landfills. We can reduce our methane emissions by turning food scraps into a nutrient-rich resource. 

Choose your method

There's a composting option for everyone.


* *Worm composting* is great for limited space and can be done indoors. You can make a worm bin from inexpensive materials or purchase a pre-made worm bin kit. Start your worm composting journey with our Worm Bin Quick Start Guide. [ [link removed] ] 
* *Backyard composting* is perfect for those who have a little more room. Using an open or a fully enclosed compost bin, you can make compost in your own backyard [ [link removed] ].
* *Curbside composting* is an excellent choice for busy households. Most homes in Kitsap are eligible for curbside pickup of food scraps and yard debris. Contact your service provider [ [link removed] ] to set up the service. 

Keep your compost clean

When trash makes it into the compost bin, it can end up in the compost that is returned to our lawns, gardens, and farms. Keep your curbside compost clean with our Curbside Compost Guide [ [link removed] ].

*Start composting in Kitsap* [ [link removed] ]






Use food well [ [link removed] ]

*Information and links provided do not constitute an endorsement of any kind from Kitsap County nor does Kitsap County verify information provided by or in third-party links. Kitsap County makes no representation or warranty concerning the content, accuracy, currency, completeness or quality of the information. Your use of the links provided is your agreement to assume all responsibility for the use thereof and to hold Kitsap County harmless for any damage or loss arising out of such use.







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