Understanding and reducing food waste

What Is Food Waste and Loss? 

For many reasons, food waste and loss receives a red card. When food is thrown away the water, energy and other natural resources used to produce it are also being thrown away. Wasted food is a missed chance to support those in the community who face food insecurity. 

When wasted food hits the landfill rather than being thrown into the organic materials bin, it produces methane a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. Not an ideal situation but, there is good news! When Pointe-Claire residents are made aware and do their best to cut back on food loss and waste, we score major wins. Together we can shrink the environmental footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to support a healthier community. 

What Can I Do?

The first line of defence is using the green bin for organic materials which is a direct path to turning food scraps into valuable compost.  For complete information on what organic materials can be composted and sent to the green bin refer to the Organic Materials page.

Every Pointe-Claire household has a role to reduce food waste. Here are some tips on how you can boost your efficiency, cut waste, and become a Most Valuable Player for the environment! 

1. Reduce – Your First Line of Defense

• Plan your meals before you shop — buy only what you know you will use.
• Organize your fridge and pantry so food doesn’t get forgotten on the back of the shelf.
• Understand “Best Before” vs. “Expiry” dates — many foods are safe after the “Best Before” date.
• Serve realistic portions and save leftovers for quick future meals.  
• Use up foods that are nearing their expiration date before other foods

2. Recover – Share the Extras 

• Donate unopened and non-expired foods to local food programs supporting residents in need.
• Share extra garden produce with neighbours or community organizations.

3. Compost – Recycle Food into the Right Bin 
Sometimes, even with the best game plan, food waste can happen in our homes. Leftovers get forgotten, produce spoils, and plans change. When food can’t be saved, the winning move is to keep it out of the garbage and ultimately out of the landfill.  Instead, dispose of the food waste in the organic materials bin or your backyard composter. 

Given the cost of groceries, these tips for avoiding food waste are a great way to lower your grocery bill. 

Interested in setting-up your own backyard composter? The City offers backyard compost bin which can be purchased at City Hall for a nominal fee.  For complete information please refer to the Rain Barrel and Household Compost Bin at a Modest Cost page.

Step up Your Food-Saving Game 

Are you looking to step up your food-saving game even more? Try these advanced moves!

1. Freeze smarter: Freeze portions of bread, fruit, meat, or leftovers before they spoil.
2. Use “whole food” cooking: Turn vegetable stems, bones, and peels into stocks or sauces.
3. Rotate like a pro: Use the “first in, first out” rule when storing groceries.
4. Cook creatively: Transform near-expiry foods into soups, stir-fries, smoothies, or baked goods.
5. Store food properly: Learn ideal storage techniques to keep produce fresh longer.
6. Take quick inventory: Snap a picture of your fridge or pantry before shopping.
7. Write a “use me first” list: Keep a small notepad or magnet board to highlight the food item that need attention soon.

Each small habit adds up — and when the whole community plays with intention, everyone brings home a sustainable victory for Pointe-Claire.