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 Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 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.
To introduce a food waste composting system, contact the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
Related Topic
Food Waste Reduction Training
Online training on healthcare specific food waste good practices is now available on HSELanD.
Resources
Best practice guidance
Best Practice on Food Waste Reduction (PDF, 3.82MB, 6 pages)
Signage
Check the bin label posters (PDF, 2.29 KB, 3 pages)
New Bin Stickers (PDF, 1.7 MB, 3 pages)
