5 ways to reduce business food waste for on-site and remote teams

Food Waste Action Week is an awareness initiative designed to encourage people to reduce food waste as an important part of our broader climate responsibilities.

With Food Waste Action Week starting on March 9th, now is the perfect time to remember that business food waste is something that affects businesses of all kinds, including physical offices, as well as hybrid and remote teams.

However, this doesn’t mean that businesses don’t have a duty to step up and follow best practice – both in the workplace and in supporting remote and hybrid teams.

With 75% of businesses adopting hybrid or fully remote working practices, it’s easy to overlook waste when it is not in plain sight. However, even waste produced outside the office contributes to operational inefficiencies and environmental impact, so managing it correctly should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes.

1. Start on-site: conduct a business food waste audit

The very first step to cutting business food waste is understanding how much your business is producing. Collect data across teams’ meal-related activities to determine the scale of the issue. This information will be extremely valuable when engaging with a waste management service provider, as it helps providers determine how frequently collections should happen and the appropriate bin sizes for your operation.

2. Engage remote teams in sustainable food use

Making sustainability and mindful food waste choices part of a wider environmental business practice is essential for companies looking to take staff on the journey with them. When food waste awareness is a common goal across the office, real progress can be made and contributions to landfill cut dramatically.

The same should also apply to remote workforces. Businesses have a responsibility to provide clear guidelines, training, and incentives that encourage teams to participate in reducing the food waste challenge.

For remote teams, this can include encouraging waste-aware lunch planning, proper food storage, making good use of leftovers and using food waste specific bins that can be composted either at home or via council-supplied receptacles.

3. Reuse, donate and redistribute remote food waste

Surplus food generated by an organisation should be donated or redistributed wherever possible –provided it is safe and edible. This simple but meaningful step not only helps reduce food waste but also lowers landfill contributions and can help to feed those unable to afford food items themselves. According to a report released in September 2025, more than 14.1 million people in the UK faced hunger in the preceding 12 months due to lack of money. So, every donation really does help to ease the burden on those experiencing hardship.

As of 2023, the commercial sector generated around 32.6 million tonnes of waste, including business waste such as food waste from commercial operations, offices, and service industries. If we want to reduce this number moving forward, sustainable practices should be promoted across all business teams.

4. Food-specific industries: improve inventory and stock management

Of course, there are many industries that handle waste as part of everyday business – including hospitality companies, food retailers and food manufacturing companies. In these industries the importance of effective food waste management is even greater, not least because organisations may be handling many tonnes of leftover food, peelings or expired produce on a daily basis.

In food-specific businesses it’s critical to monitor stock levels and expiry dates closely. Inventory management systems can help with this to avoid over-ordering and ensure that older stock is used before the next delivery lands.

5. Partner with a waste collection service that supports sustainability practices

While teams within a business can each play their part in lowering food waste, choosing a commercial waste collection service can help push sustainability goals even further through efficient disposal, recycling and reporting systems.

At Everflow, sustainable practices are second nature to us. We are committed to offsetting carbon emissions associated with the collection and disposal of your waste. You can count on us to lead the way in environmental responsibility and know that when we collect your waste, we treat it and dispose of it with sustainability in mind.

Business food waste management as a shared goal

The benefits of being more food waste-aware across office and remote teams are significant. It helps reduce harmful methane emissions from landfills, saves businesses money, and supports the fight against climate change. It’s a win-win for all, and this Food Waste Week, businesses should do their part in building a greener, more sustainable future.

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