Food waste isn’t just bad for the environment – it’s bad for business.

Written by: Alexandra Cuschieri, Zero Waste Campaign Coordinator

In British Columbia, food retailers and food service businesses lose an estimated $1.3 billion worth of food each year. Every item thrown away – whether it’s expired produce, oversized portions, or unsold meals – represents money lost. Additionally, in 2023, 12.5% of compostable organic waste thrown away by businesses in Whistler was avoidable and could have been prevented.

The good news is that reducing food waste can save your business money while increasing efficiency and enhancing customer engagement. Here are five effective strategies for businesses like yours to improve their bottom line while making a meaningful difference:

1. Lower your waste disposal fees

The more waste your business generates, the more you pay to have it hauled away. Food waste is heavy, and landfill disposal fees add up fast. By reducing food waste, and separating organic waste for composting (as required under Whistler’s Solid Waste By-Law), your business can significantly reduce landfill-bound waste – and the costs that come with it.

Tip: Track how much food waste your business produces each week. You’ll quickly spot patterns and opportunities to adjust purchasing habits, saving money and resources. AWARE offers free support to help set up or optimize your composting system.

2. Improve operational efficiency and cut purchasing costs

Many restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores unknowingly over-order ingredients, leading to spoilage before use.  Improving inventory management and tracking what’s being used can help your business avoid unnecessary purchases, minimize spoilage, and streamline kitchen or stocking processes.  

Tip: Implement a “first in, first out” system so older ingredients are used before newer ones. Digital inventory tracking tools can also help prevent over-ordering.

3. Optimize portion sizes and menu planning

Oversized portions are a major source of food waste in restaurants and hotels. Adjusting portion sizes to match customer demand can reduce plate waste without sacrificing satisfaction. Smart menu planning, such as using versatile ingredients across multiple dishes, can also help to minimize waste.

Tip: Consider offering half portions or side options. Customers appreciate the choice, and your kitchen wastes less food.

4. Turn waste into revenue  

Instead of tossing out surplus food, why not turn it into an opportunity? Restaurants can repurpose excess ingredients into specials, while grocery stores can discount “imperfect” produce or close-to-expiry items. 

Tip: Introduce a discounted “last chance” section for soon-to-expire items, or work with food-saving apps like Too Good To Go to sell surplus food at reduced prices.

5. Donate surplus food and support your community 

Unsold food doesn’t have to be a loss. Instead of throwing perfectly good food away, consider donating to a local food bank or community kitchen. It’s a win-win: you reduce disposal costs, assist those in need, and strengthen your reputation within the community. Food bank donations are also tax deductible. Good to know: the BC Food Donor Encouragement Act protects your business as long as food is donated in good faith.

Tip: Partner with Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) or R.O.C.K.S. (Recreate Our Community Kitchen Society) to easily donate surplus food and give back to the community. 

We’re here to help – for free

Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet – it’s a smart financial move. Through our From Waste to Action campaign, AWARE is helping Whistler businesses cut costs and comply with the mandatory separation of organic waste. We’re offering free support, including:

✅ Waste audits and action plans tailored to your business

✅ Workshops and training to help staff improve food waste practices

✅ Resources and toolkits for restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores

✅ Recognition opportunities for businesses leading the way

Let’s work together to make Whistler a greener, more sustainable place – one plate at a time. Get in touch to see how we can help your business reduce waste and save money!

Join us at our upcoming workshops with the Whistler Chamber to learn practical strategies for reducing food waste and cutting costs.