How To

7 Ways Businesses Can Reduce Food Waste

From restaurants and catering companies to office buildings and construction sites, food waste is a growing issue for businesses across industries. Not only does excessive food waste strain resources and harm the environment, but it also cuts into your bottom line.

In fact, according to the USDA, between 30–40% of the food supply in the U.S. goes to waste. For businesses, this translates to higher disposal costs, missed opportunities for savings, and a negative impact on sustainability goals.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce food waste in your organization, you’re in the right place. At ZTERS, we help businesses manage waste of all kinds with tailored dumpster rental services, commercial waste management, and sustainability-focused support.

Let’s look at seven effective ways businesses can reduce food waste, along with practical strategies you can implement right away.

1. Conduct a Food Waste Audit

Before you can reduce waste, you need to know where it’s coming from. A food waste audit gives you a clear picture of how much is being wasted, where it’s occurring, and why.

Steps to conduct a food waste audit:

• Track all discarded food over a set period (e.g., one week).
• Categorize waste: spoiled food, plate waste, prep waste, etc.
• Weigh and record waste volumes daily.
• Identify patterns or problem areas.

This data can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes, storage practices, or supply chain adjustments. At ZTERS, we’re no strangers to waste audits. Get in touch with our Commercial Waste Services department to learn more about how we can help support your business reach its sustainability goals.

2. Optimize Inventory Management

Over-ordering is a common reason food goes to waste. Restaurants, cafeterias, and even corporate kitchens can benefit from tighter inventory controls.

Tips for better inventory management:

• Implement a “first in, first out” (FIFO) system.
• Use inventory tracking software to monitor stock levels in real time.
• Order smaller batches more frequently to reduce spoilage.
• Regularly inspect storage areas and rotate stock.

When you only order what you’ll realistically use, you not only reduce waste but also save money.

3. Train Staff on Waste Reduction

Even the best systems can fail without proper staff training. Employees involved in food prep, service, and disposal should understand your waste-reduction goals and how they can help.

What to cover in training:

• Correct portioning techniques
• Proper food storage and labeling
• Composting and recycling practices
• Identifying and separating edible food from waste

In food service environments, reducing prep waste and improving kitchen efficiency can dramatically cut down on discarded food.

4. Donate Surplus Food

Instead of tossing out excess edible food, donate it to local food banks, shelters, or community fridges. Many organizations are equipped to safely redistribute prepared and packaged foods.

Benefits of food donation:

• Helps feed people in need
• Reduces disposal costs
• Potential tax deductions for your business
• Strengthens your reputation as a socially responsible organization

Check with local laws and nonprofits to find partners and learn safe handling requirements. Here’s one food donation directory/resource from Food Lifeline to get you started.

5. Start a Composting Program

Not all food waste can be avoided, but it can be put to better use. Composting turns food scraps into nutrient-rich soil rather than letting them rot in landfills.

Why compost?

• Reduces methane emissions from landfills
• Lowers your total waste output (and hauling fees)
• Supports circular sustainability efforts
• Can be implemented on-site or off-site with a composting service

ZTERS can help you evaluate whether composting makes sense for your business and connect you with the right equipment or services. Bonus: you can also compost at home!

6. Use the Right-Sized Dumpster or Waste Container

Improper waste container sizing leads to inefficiencies. You might be paying too much for hauling services or facing overflow and contamination issues.

Optimize your waste strategy with:

• Right-sized food waste containers
• Separate bins for recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste
• Scheduled pickups that match your volume
• Clear signage to guide proper disposal

Working with a waste services provider like ZTERS ensures your containers are properly sized and strategically placed to make food waste reduction easier.

Need help choosing the right dumpster size? Read our guide: What Size Dumpster Do I Need?

7. Measure Progress and Make Adjustments

Food waste reduction isn’t a one-and-done initiative—it requires regular monitoring and adjustments.

Track key metrics:

• Pounds of food waste per week or per customer
• Dumpster fill levels before pickup
• Disposal costs over time
• Composting or donation volumes

Use this data to refine your strategy, motivate your team, and promote your successes publicly. Over time, you’ll build a stronger sustainability program that supports your business goals.

Why Reducing Food Waste Matters

Reducing food waste goes far beyond saving money. It’s an opportunity to:

• Lower your carbon footprint
• Meet corporate sustainability targets
• Appeal to eco-conscious customers
• Comply with local food waste regulations (in states like California and New York)

When businesses treat food as a valuable resource instead of a disposable commodity, everyone from your staff and customers to the planet itself benefits.

FAQs About Business Food Waste

How much food waste do businesses generate?

It varies by industry, but food service businesses like restaurants and caterers can waste hundreds of pounds of food each week. A waste audit can help you quantify your specific volume.

Is food donation legal for businesses?

Yes. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects businesses that donate food in good faith from liability, provided the food is handled safely.

What types of businesses benefit from food waste reduction?

Restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, schools, hospitals, office campuses, and construction sites with food service setups can all benefit from cutting food waste.

Can ZTERS help with food waste solutions?

Absolutely. ZTERS offers waste audits, right-sized dumpster rentals, and composting solutions tailored to your business needs.

Is composting food waste expensive?

Not necessarily. Composting can actually lower your hauling and landfill costs over time. Plus, it helps support sustainability goals and may qualify your business for local green certifications.

Ready to Start Reducing Food Waste at Your Business?

ZTERS is here to help you cut costs, manage waste efficiently, and meet your sustainability goals. Whether you need a roll-off dumpster for food waste, help setting up a composting program, or advice on how to conduct a waste audit, we’ve got you covered. 

Contact ZTERS today to learn how we can tailor a waste management plan for your business.