Food waste

In 2026, all Lincolnshire residents will benefit from a weekly food waste collection service. In preparation, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the food waste we produce at home — and how we can reduce it before it even reaches the bin.

There are plenty of simple, effective ways to cut down on food waste. That’s why, in partnership with Love Food Hate Waste, we’ve pulled together a collection of ideas, tips, and practical advice to help you get started — a little food for thought!

By taking action now, you can get ahead of the curve and:

• Save money
• Reduce your environmental impact
• Make sure the energy used to produce, transport, and store food doesn't go to waste

Best before, use by, expiry – what do they really mean?

Knowing the difference between food date labels helps you stay safe and cut down on food waste.

Visit the Food Standards Agency website guide on date labelling.

Bread - use your loaf

Bread is among the most commonly wasted foods, with millions of slices discarded daily in the UK.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website to learn how to make the most of your bread.

Check your fridge temperature

Setting your fridge to the right temperature helps keep your food fresh for a longer time.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website to learn about fridge temperatures.

Food portion calculator: your guide to perfect portion sizes

Not sure how much to cook? The Love Food Hate Waste website features a handy portion calculator to help you get it right — from pasta to potatoes — so nothing goes to waste.

Use the Love Food Hate Waste website portion calculator.

Fruit and vegetables – keep them fresher for longer

Fresh produce is often wasted simply because it goes off before we get around to eating it. Knowing how to store fruits and vegetables properly can make a big difference.

• Keep bananas, apples, and tomatoes out of the fridge – they last longer at room temperature.
• Store leafy greens in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Carrots, broccoli, and celery stay crisp longer when kept in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Use up ripe fruit in smoothies, cakes, or frozen for later.

For more fruit and veg storage tips, visit the Love Food Hate Waste A to Z of food storage.

Leftover inspiration

Got extra ingredients and not sure how to use them? Find creative recipe ideas to turn your leftovers into delicious meals.

View recipe ideas on the Love Food Hate Waste website.

Make the most of every bite

Discover tips and advice to help you get the most out of your food, reduce waste, and do your part for the planet. Love Food Hate Waste / Preventing food waste

Plan easy, flexible meals The Love Food Hate Waste website offers helpful tips for meal planning that can save you time, cut costs, and reduce food waste.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for meal planning advice.

Plan easy, flexible meals

The Love Food Hate Waste website offers helpful tips for meal planning that can save you time, cut costs, and reduce food waste.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for meal planning advice.

The A to Z of food storage

From bananas and broccoli to spinach and strawberries, the Love Food Hate Waste website offers tips on how to store a wide range of foods, including meat and poultry. You'll also find helpful advice on what can be frozen and the best ways to defrost it.

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website to learn about food storage, freezing and defrosting.