September 28 through October 4 is Food Waste Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about the valuable resources lost when food goes to waste and to encourage simple steps to prevent it. By reducing food waste, we can keep food out of landfills, save money, conserve the resources used to produce our food, and help build a healthier, more sustainable Putnam County.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food is one of the largest categories of material sent to landfills and incinerators in the United States. In fact, an estimated 30-40% of the food supply goes uneaten or is wasted. Food waste can occur in many ways in a household, from purchasing more than we can use, to preparing more food than needed and leaving leftovers uneaten.

There are several easy ways to prevent food waste at home. Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry before shopping, make a list, and buy only what you need. Make the most of your leftovers by enjoying them for another meal, and store food properly to help it stay fresh longer. Remember that you can also freeze leftovers if you will not have time to eat them in a few days.  

When purchased food will not all be used, there are other options to consider. Donating safe, edible food to a local food pantry or food bank is one. Many organizations accept unexpired, shelf-stable foods such as canned goods, dry pasta, and other packaged foods, while some may also accept fresh, frozen, or refrigerated foods such as dairy, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to check with your local pantry to learn what types of food they accept. Food that cannot be donated can also be diverted for other beneficial uses, such as food scrap recycling or composting.

To start making changes at home during Food Waste Prevention Week, start small: plan what you buy, use what you already have, and find ways to waste less. For more facts and tips about preventing food waste, visit: https://foodwastepreventionweek.com/save-food/

Looking Ahead
Putnam County is also looking toward the future of food waste management. A food scraps recycling pilot program is planned to launch in Spring 2027, providing residents with another option for keeping food scraps out of the waste stream. More information about the program will be shared as the launch approaches. Residents can pre-register to express interest in participating in the Putnam County Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Program by filling out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/kbBvvHxmUp 

Residents can stay up to date with the latest recycling news, upcoming events, and available resources by visiting the Putnam Recycles website or signing up for notifications at https://forms.office.com/g/bG3sWgpDQ0