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Zero Waste Scotland calls for collaborative action on food waste to curb unprecedented environmental damage

29 Sep 25 4 minute read

Food waste is causing environmental harm well beyond contributing to climate change, including the displacement of plant and animal life across the globe. 

New research from Zero Waste Scotland shows food waste is having previously unquantified impacts on the health of the planet in addition to its known role in climate change – contributing significantly to biodiversity loss, water consumption, land use pressures, and air pollution too. 

It comes as the circular economy public body confirms it will lead on the development of a Household Intervention Plan for Food Waste Reduction in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.  

Zero Waste Scotland data shows food waste is the leading cause of damage to biodiversity and land use change, and second only to textiles as the leading contributor to water consumption and climate change impacts¹. 

It’s one of a number of findings published today that highlight the need for urgent, impactful, and coordinated action to tackle food waste as a priority – and spotlight a number of evidence-backed ways to do it.

For example, did you know: 

  1. Food waste is worse for the planet than almost any other kind of household waste, including plastic¹

  2. We throw away £1.3 billion worth of food a year in Scotland, just from our homes²

  3. People don’t see food waste as a climate issue³

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: 

“These findings really bring home the staggering impact our food system has, not just on climate change, but on the environment as a whole. 

“More specifically, they reinforce how important it is that we reduce food waste from our homes, making the most of the food we love and reaping the benefits of smarter food behaviours for our budgets and lifestyles as well as for the planet. 

“But responsibility can’t just fall to consumers; we need everyone – from decision-makers to welfare organisations to businesses and brands – to raise the profile of food waste as an issue and work together to tackle it. Ultimately, evolving positive food behaviours can improve people’s lives for the better.” 

Image of Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland

Food waste is identified by the Scottish Government as a priority action in the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030. The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to deliver actions that the government and others must take to accelerate progress towards a circular economy between now and 2030.

Climate Action Secretary, Gillian Martin, said:

“This research highlights the wide-ranging environmental impact that waste from Scottish households has on the world around us, including on our climate, air quality and biodiversity. 

“The findings highlight where Scotland has made good progress to reduce these impacts, and where we must focus our efforts to drive further progress, such as tackling food waste. 

“We are clear that more needs to be done to support businesses and households to take action to reduce food waste and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders to identify what more can be done to drive meaningful change on this issue.” 

More information on food waste, including full research findings, are available on the Zero Waste Scotland website https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/food-thought  

Stakeholders interested in finding out more or partnering on food waste reduction can contact food.drink@zerowastescotland.org.uk  

Zero Waste Scotland will host the “Food for Thought: Food waste reduction through evidence-based insights” webinar on Wednesday 12 November exploring the scale of Scotland’s food waste crisis, and how the circular economy could be the answer.

ENDS 

Notes to editors

Why is food waste so bad for the environment?  

Food waste is disproportionately bad for the environment, with even a relatively small amount responsible for a large volume of greenhouse gas emissions. Zero Waste Scotland research also points to household food waste as one of the biggest drivers of other environmental damage too, like global biodiversity loss.  

It’s because when we waste food we also waste all the effort and resources that went into producing it – which includes any environmental impacts, like carbon emissions, water consumption and air pollution, that happened during production.

While better than disposing of it to landfill or incineration, the process of recycling food waste also generates carbon emissions, which are harmful to the environment. That’s why avoiding wasting food altogether is the best thing we can all do to protect the planet and make the most of the food we love.

About Zero Waste Scotland 

We’re Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of the materials we have. A zero waste, circular economy is the right choice - for people, planet and prosperity. 

More information on all Zero Waste Scotland’s programmes can be found here. 

For media enquiries contact: 

Niamh Taylor, Communications Consultant

t: 01786 237253   
m: 07970 406850 
e: niamh.taylor@zerowastescotland.org.uk / pr@zerowastescotland.org.uk