{"id":21797,"date":"2025-09-29T08:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T06:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tma.es\/?p=21797"},"modified":"2025-09-26T10:57:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T08:57:53","slug":"food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How much food is wasted? A practical guide to reducing food waste"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>How much food is wasted in a refrigerator every week? And for businesses, how much value is lost through unsold surpluses or ingredients that end up as waste? Food waste isn&#8217;t just a domestic problem: it affects the entire production and distribution chain. When we waste food, we lose the food itself and all the natural resources used to produce it: water, energy, land, and human labor. Every September 29th, <strong>the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste<\/strong> reminds us of the magnitude of this problem and the urgency of taking action both at home and in the business world. In this article, we explain practical and effective strategies <strong>to reduce food waste<\/strong>, with concrete measures that can be applied daily. Discover how households and businesses can reduce losses, care for the planet, and <strong>transform wasted food into useful resources<\/strong>, closing the loop and making better use of food.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido del art\u00edculo<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #696969;color:#696969\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #696969;color:#696969\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#THE_PROBLEM_OF_FOOD_WASTE_DEFINITION_CAUSES_AND_IMPACT\" title=\"THE PROBLEM OF FOOD WASTE: DEFINITION, CAUSES, AND IMPACT\">THE PROBLEM OF FOOD WASTE: DEFINITION, CAUSES, AND IMPACT<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#What_is_food_loss_and_waste\" title=\"What is food loss and waste?\">What is food loss and waste?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#Why_so_much_food_is_wasted\" title=\"Why so much food is wasted\">Why so much food is wasted<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#Impact_of_food_waste_the_invisible_cost_of_throwing_away_food\" title=\"Impact of food waste: the invisible cost of throwing away food\">Impact of food waste: the invisible cost of throwing away food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#Updated_data_on_food_waste\" title=\"Updated data on food waste\">Updated data on food waste<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#HOW_TO_REDUCE_FOOD_WASTE_PRACTICAL_TIPS_FOR_NOT_THROWING_AWAY_FOOD\" title=\"HOW TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NOT THROWING AWAY FOOD\">HOW TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NOT THROWING AWAY FOOD<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#How_to_use_leftover_food_at_home\" title=\"How to use leftover food at home\">How to use leftover food at home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#What_to_do_with_organic_waste_in_businesses\" title=\"What to do with organic waste in businesses\">What to do with organic waste in businesses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#FROM_WASTE_TO_RESOURCE_MANAGEMENT_AND_RECOVERY_OF_ORGANIC_WASTE\" title=\"FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE: MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY OF ORGANIC WASTE\">FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE: MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY OF ORGANIC WASTE<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#Circular_Economy_with_leftover_food\" title=\"Circular Economy with leftover food\">Circular Economy with leftover food<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#TMA_AND_SUSTAINABLE_FOOD_WASTE_MANAGEMENT\" title=\"TMA AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT\">TMA AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/food-waste-how-much-is-wasted-and-how-to-reduce-it\/#Closing_the_loop_of_food\" title=\"Closing the loop of food\">Closing the loop of food<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"THE_PROBLEM_OF_FOOD_WASTE_DEFINITION_CAUSES_AND_IMPACT\"><\/span><strong>THE PROBLEM OF FOOD WASTE: DEFINITION, CAUSES, AND IMPACT<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Imagine that three out of ten shopping bags go directly to the trash. This is the stark reality that one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted.<\/p>\n<p>Faced with this alarming figure, the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, promoted by the UN every September 29, should make us reflect. Far from being a distant and alien problem, the solution begins in our homes, businesses, and companies.<\/p>\n<p>Talking about <strong>food waste<\/strong> isn&#8217;t just about throwing away food: it&#8217;s about its economic, social, and environmental impact.<\/p>\n<p>Responsible food waste management, along with waste prevention at every stage of the food chain, is key to building a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_food_loss_and_waste\"><\/span><strong>What is food loss and waste?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>It&#8217;s when food ends up in the trash.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21770 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-5.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-5.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-5-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-5-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-5-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Food waste refers to food that, while fit for human consumption, is discarded at some point in the food chain: production, storage, distribution, sale, or final consumption.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWaste\u201d is what we throw away in stores, restaurants, or homes.<\/p>\n<p>To speak of \u201closs\u201d is to speak of food that never reaches the consumer.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s what never reaches the shelves of a supermarket or a restaurant plate: fruits that are discarded due to their shape, products that spoil in the logistics chain, production surpluses\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Both concepts have a common denominator: food becomes organic waste that requires management.<\/p>\n<p>And this is where <strong>the difference between simply \u201cthrowing away\u201d and<\/strong> <strong>managing with a circular economy vision becomes crucial.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every September 29th, the calendar invites us to stop and think about a gesture as common as opening the refrigerator and finding expired yogurt or throwing away a stale loaf of bread.<\/p>\n<p>It may seem insignificant, but added to millions of similar gestures around the world, it generates an impact that goes far beyond what we see in our trash. It&#8217;s not just an everyday gesture.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_so_much_food_is_wasted\"><\/span><strong>Why so much food is wasted<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Losses in the production and distribution chain<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Waste begins long before food reaches our table.<\/p>\n<p>In the fields and warehouses, tons of food are already lost for reasons such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Fruits and vegetables discarded for not meeting aesthetic criteria.<\/li>\n<li>Transportation or storage errors that spoil fresh produce.<\/li>\n<li>Excess production that exceeds actual consumption capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For agri-food and distribution companies, this scenario is a challenge&#8230; but also an opportunity. Committing to <strong>traceability, selective collection, and waste recovery<\/strong> reduces the environmental impact and also <strong>boosts efficiency and corporate reputation<\/strong>, reinforcing consumer trust.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Homes, businesses, and restaurants: the last link in the waste chain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21773 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-3.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-3-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-3-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-3-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/>This is where the problem becomes more commonplace.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Buying more than necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Not planning menus.<\/li>\n<li>Poorly storing food.<\/li>\n<li>Confusing expiration dates with best-before dates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are small gestures that, when combined, make homes and restaurants key players in food waste.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of retail and restaurants, the losses also translate into economic costs and waste that requires specialized management. The good news is that there are solutions: from better matching supply and demand to transforming food waste into new resources with the advice of specialized waste management companies.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_of_food_waste_the_invisible_cost_of_throwing_away_food\"><\/span><strong>Impact of food waste: the invisible cost of throwing away food<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Environmental impact: how wasted food multiplies waste and CO\u2082<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Throwing away food isn&#8217;t just about filling up a trash can.<\/p>\n<p>Every kilogram of wasted food results in CO\u2082 emissions, unnecessary water consumption, fertilizer and energy use, and soil degradation. In other words: valuable resources are lost and an environmental footprint that contributes to climate change.<\/p>\n<p>Every food thrown away leaves this footprint:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Liters of water wasted in its production.<\/li>\n<li>Kilometers traveled in transportation.<\/li>\n<li>Energy used in its cultivation, processing, and preservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With efficient management, food waste can go from being a problem to an opportunity. Separating food waste at source ensures that food can be valued.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Compost to regenerate agricultural soils.<\/li>\n<li>Biogas as a source of renewable energy.<\/li>\n<li>Raw materials that re-enter the circular economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Social and economic impact<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The cost is not only environmental: it&#8217;s also social. While tons of food end up in the trash, millions of people lack access to a sufficient and healthy diet.<\/p>\n<p>For businesses, waste means economic losses and additional waste management costs.<\/p>\n<p>For governments, it puts more pressure on collection and treatment systems.<\/p>\n<p>But there are alternatives: donation, redistribution, and recovery programs allow a problem to be transformed into an opportunity for social and business innovation.<\/p>\n<p>Zero-waste food strategies promote the creation of green jobs, technological innovation, and the reduction of costs associated with waste management, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient economy.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Updated_data_on_food_waste\"><\/span><strong>Updated data on food waste<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>The year 2024 marks a turning point in the fight against food waste in Spain, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.<\/p>\n<p>These are the most relevant data:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21776 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-7.png\" alt=\"TMA P\u00e9rdida y desperdicio de alimentos Tirar comida Sostenibilidad alimentaria Desperdicio alimentario Residuos org\u00e1nicos Gesti\u00f3n de residuos Econom\u00eda Circular de los alimentos Food Loss and Waste Throwing Away Food Sustainability Food Waste Organic Waste Waste Management Circular Economy of Food Leftover food P\u00e8rdua i malbaratament d'aliments Llen\u00e7ar menjar Sostenibilitat aliment\u00e0ria Malbaratament alimentari Residus org\u00e0nics Gesti\u00f3 de residus Economia Circular dels aliments\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-7.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-7-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-7-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-7-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/><strong>51.5 million kilos\/liters of food and beverages were saved from ending up in the trash<\/strong> thanks to public policies, awareness campaigns, and better habits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Each person threw away 24.3 kilos of food throughout the year<\/strong>. Although this is still a lot, the figure has been steadily decreasing since 2020.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Only 3.7% of purchased food was wasted<\/strong> (that is, of every 100 kilos purchased, 3.7 ended up in the trash).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Households account for 97.5% of the waste<\/strong>: 1,097 million kilos\/liters. Even so, they threw away 48.9 million fewer than in 2023: the best figure since records began (2016).<\/li>\n<li>Indoors, <strong>77.6% of what was wasted was unused food<\/strong>, and 22.4% was pre-cooked dishes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outside the home<\/strong> (hotels and restaurants), waste was minimal: <strong>28 million kilos\/liters, just 2.5% of the total<\/strong>, a drop of 8.8% compared to 2023.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HOW_TO_REDUCE_FOOD_WASTE_PRACTICAL_TIPS_FOR_NOT_THROWING_AWAY_FOOD\"><\/span><strong>HOW TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NOT THROWING AWAY FOOD<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Daily habits are crucial.<\/p>\n<p>The path to zero food waste involves small, everyday gestures and big, strategic decisions<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_use_leftover_food_at_home\"><\/span><strong>How to use leftover food at home<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21785 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-1.png\" alt=\"TMA P\u00e9rdida y desperdicio de alimentos Tirar comida Sostenibilidad alimentaria Desperdicio alimentario Residuos org\u00e1nicos Gesti\u00f3n de residuos Econom\u00eda Circular de los alimentos Food Loss and Waste Throwing Away Food Sustainability Food Waste Organic Waste Waste Management Circular Economy of Food Leftover food P\u00e8rdua i malbaratament d'aliments Llen\u00e7ar menjar Sostenibilitat aliment\u00e0ria Malbaratament alimentari Residus org\u00e0nics Gesti\u00f3 de residus Economia Circular dels aliments\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-1.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-1-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-1-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-1-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/><strong>Plan weekly menus<\/strong> to buy only what you need.<\/li>\n<li>Make a <strong>shopping list<\/strong> and stick to it: you&#8217;ll avoid impulse purchases that end up in the trash.<\/li>\n<li>Apply the <strong>FIFO (first in, first out)<\/strong> technique: put what expires first at the front and use those products first.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Read labels carefully<\/strong>: &#8220;best before&#8221; doesn&#8217;t mean food is unsafe after that date.<\/li>\n<li>Use <strong>leftovers<\/strong> and create <strong>new recipes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Freeze<\/strong> in a timely manner.<\/li>\n<li>Adjust<strong> portions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Store properly<\/strong>: an airtight container can extend the shelf life of food.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy in bulk<\/strong> whenever possible: reduce packaging and adjust quantities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be creative in the kitchen<\/strong>: use foods we tend to throw away and create new recipes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_with_organic_waste_in_businesses\"><\/span><strong>What to do with organic waste in businesses<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Conduct waste audits<\/strong> to identify critical areas and quantify losses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjust portions and offers<\/strong>: in restaurants, serve formats tailored to actual demand; in retail, plan promotions based on stock rotation.<\/li>\n<li>Apply dynamic<strong> discounts<\/strong> on <strong>products close to their expiration dates.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Collaborate with food banks and social organizations: <strong>donate surpluses that are safe for consumption.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Optimize storage and transportation logistics<\/strong>: cold chain, inventory control, and demand forecasting.<\/li>\n<li>Implement <strong>selective organic separation systems<\/strong> to ensure their recovery.<\/li>\n<li>Invest in <strong>staff training<\/strong> on food handling and preservation.<\/li>\n<li>Promote <strong>technological innovation<\/strong>: temperature sensors, traceability apps, AI to forecast demand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid overproduction<\/strong> by adjusting planning to actual consumption data.<\/li>\n<li>Work with <strong>authorized waste managers<\/strong> to ensure <a title=\"Recoverable waste\" href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/recoverable-waste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recovery<\/a>: biogas, compost, industrial by-products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FROM_WASTE_TO_RESOURCE_MANAGEMENT_AND_RECOVERY_OF_ORGANIC_WASTE\"><\/span>FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE: MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY OF ORGANIC WASTE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Organic waste is all food and product scraps of biological origin that are no longer consumed: peels, skins, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, stale bread, or kitchen leftovers.<\/p>\n<p>Although we often view them as &#8220;garbage,&#8221; they actually represent a unique opportunity to close the loop and move toward a zero-waste model.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, managing them properly is a direct action to reduce environmental impact.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Circular_Economy_with_leftover_food\"><\/span><strong>Circular Economy with leftover food<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21779 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-6.png\" alt=\"TMA P\u00e9rdida y desperdicio de alimentos Tirar comida Sostenibilidad alimentaria Desperdicio alimentario Residuos org\u00e1nicos Gesti\u00f3n de residuos Econom\u00eda Circular de los alimentos Food Loss and Waste Throwing Away Food Sustainability Food Waste Organic Waste Waste Management Circular Economy of Food Leftover food P\u00e8rdua i malbaratament d'aliments Llen\u00e7ar menjar Sostenibilitat aliment\u00e0ria Malbaratament alimentari Residus org\u00e0nics Gesti\u00f3 de residus Economia Circular dels aliments\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-6.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-6-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-6-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-6-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The great challenge, and the great opportunity, lies in what happens when food becomes waste.<\/p>\n<p>With the <a title=\"Circular Economy in waste management\" href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/zerowaste-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Circular Economy<\/a> of organic waste, we give waste a second life instead of disposing of it: viewing each organic waste as a resource creates <strong>opportunities for sustainability and efficiency<\/strong> that benefit the planet, households, and businesses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Circular Economy applied to food waste<\/strong> proposes that no food scraps be removed from the &#8220;this shouldn&#8217;t be thrown away because it can be used and could have a new life&#8221; cycle.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of <strong>food waste recovery and Circular Economy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Composting: transforming organic waste into natural fertilizer for agriculture.<\/li>\n<li>Biogas: generating renewable energy from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste.<\/li>\n<li>Byproducts: using parts unfit for human consumption as raw materials for other sectors (animal feed, bioplastics, cosmetics).<\/li>\n<li>Redistribution: channeling surpluses to food banks or social projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Comprehensive waste management companies<\/strong> play a decisive role here: through optimized routes, <a title=\"Low-emission vehicles\" href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/collection-and-transportation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">low-emission vehicles<\/a>, and <a title=\"Authorized treatment plants\" href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/facilities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">authorized treatment plants<\/a>, they turn food waste into a resource, aligning with sustainability goals and the principles of the circular economy.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TMA_AND_SUSTAINABLE_FOOD_WASTE_MANAGEMENT\"><\/span><strong>TMA AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>At TMA, we work every day to reduce the environmental impact of waste, promoting sustainable solutions and supporting companies and governments in the proper management of organic waste.<\/p>\n<p>Our commitment is aligned with the <strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>, especially <em><strong>SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Closing_the_loop_of_food\"><\/span><strong>Closing the loop of food<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21782 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-4.png\" alt=\"TMA P\u00e9rdida y desperdicio de alimentos Tirar comida Sostenibilidad alimentaria Desperdicio alimentario Residuos org\u00e1nicos Gesti\u00f3n de residuos Econom\u00eda Circular de los alimentos Food Loss and Waste Throwing Away Food Sustainability Food Waste Organic Waste Waste Management Circular Economy of Food Leftover food P\u00e8rdua i malbaratament d'aliments Llen\u00e7ar menjar Sostenibilitat aliment\u00e0ria Malbaratament alimentari Residus org\u00e0nics Gesti\u00f3 de residus Economia Circular dels aliments\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-4.png 800w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-4-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-4-768x469.png 768w, https:\/\/tma.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tma-perdida-desperdicio-alimentos-tirar-comida-sostenibilidad-alimentaria-desperdicio-alimentario-residuos-organicos-gestion-residuos-economia-circular-alimentos-4-700x428.png 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/306;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s about changing our perspective: stop seeing wasted food as a problem and start seeing it as an opportunity for transformation, innovation, and sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Every decision we make\u2014as consumers, companies, or governments\u2014influences whether food ends up in the trash or in a new value cycle.<\/p>\n<p>The Circular Economy applied to surplus food prevents tons of food from going to waste and also fosters green jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens the sustainability of the food system.<\/p>\n<p>It is possible to achieve a <a title=\"Zero Waste\" href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/zerowaste-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">zero waste<\/a> model with food waste and boost food sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">We take care of our customers and we take care of the environment.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">We are much more than comprehensive waste management.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you want to comply with regulations, improve your environmental impact, or adapt your procedures, write to us at <a title=\"Contact us\" href=\"mailto:comercial@tma.es\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>comercial@tma.es<\/strong><\/a> and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully tailored to your needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We are here to help you reduce the environmental impact of your waste and take care of the environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Discover our comprehensive <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/non-hazardous-waste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waste Management Services<\/a><\/strong>.<br \/>\nFollow us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/tma-tecnologia-medio-ambiente\/?viewAsMember=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TMA&#8217;s LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a>. Subscribe to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCW93hZPhc7c6BJIJ1L61_Qw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>YouTube channel<\/strong><\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/tma.es\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a>, we will be happy to advise and inform you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how households and businesses can reduce losses, protect the planet, and transform wasted food into useful resources, closing the loop and making better use of food. Practical and effective strategies for reducing food waste in everyday life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":69,"featured_media":21769,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1370,60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-compromiso-ambiental-tma-en","category-zerowaste-en"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/69"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21797"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21835,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21797\/revisions\/21835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tma.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}