Waverley Borough Council is celebrating Food Waste Action Week 2026 (run by Love Food Hate Waste) by sharing tips on avoiding food waste but also shining a spotlight on residents’ own creativity in the kitchen. The council is inviting people across the borough to share their favourite leftover‑based recipes, smart storage hacks, and everyday food‑saving tips on its social media channels.

By swapping simple ideas and showing how they make their food “go fuuuuurther”, residents can help each other save money, cut waste and support a greener Waverley.

This year’s national campaign highlights how preventing food waste, making the most of leftovers, and recycling unavoidable scraps can help households stretch their budgets further. With food prices still putting pressure on many families, the council is encouraging residents not only to try practical waste‑reducing habits, but also to share the approaches that work best in their own homes.

In Waverley, food waste is collected weekly and processed through anaerobic digestion, creating green energy and nutrient‑rich fertiliser. Households already recycle over 70kg of food waste per year on average, but around a quarter of the waste placed in black bins is still food that could be recycled. Small changes at home can help prevent waste and boost recycling rates.

To support residents, the council is also sharing helpful reminders, including:

• Storing food correctly so it stays fresh for longer
• Using up leftovers through simple recipes and batch cooking
• Freezing food before it goes off
• Putting anything inedible in the food waste caddy
• Planning meals and using “first in, first out” habits in the fridge and cupboards

To find out more about what you can and can’t put in your food waste caddy, please visit waverley.gov.uk/which-bin. If you need to order a new outdoor food waste bin or indoor caddy: Order or Replace Bins or Caddies | Waverley Borough Council or have you thought of a garden composter? Surrey residents can get reduced price composters through: GetComposting | Council Compost Bins & Food Waste Composting Solutions.

Cllr Adam Duce, Waverley Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:

“Food Waste Action Week is a great reminder that small, everyday choices can make a real difference. By helping food go further, households can save money, reduce waste and cut carbon emissions. We’re encouraging everyone in Waverley not only to make use of their food waste caddies and try simple tips at home, but also to show us what they’re cooking. We’d love to see the fantastic recipes residents create from their leftovers.”

Nationally, 70% of all food waste comes from UK households. Reducing food waste is one of the easiest ways to lower the borough’s environmental footprint and supports Waverley’s wider sustainability ambitions.

Residents can find more tips and inspiration at  Food Waste Action Week | Love Food Hate Waste.  You can find links to all our social media channels at the bottom of the page.