Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics
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Summary of the Draft Strategy
On December 2, 2023, EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the "Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics." This strategy is part of a series of strategies on building a more circular economy for all.
The goal of the strategy is to prevent the loss and waste of food and increase recycling of organic materials, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and build cleaner communities.
The four main objectives in the strategy are:
- Objective 1: Prevent the loss of food where possible.
- Objective 2: Prevent the waste of food where possible.
- Objective 3: Increase the recycling rate for all organic waste.
- Objective 4: Support policies that incentivize and encourage food loss and waste prevention and organics recycling.
Read the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics (pdf) .
Comment on the Draft Strategy
EPA, USDA, and FDA request public comments on the draft strategy. The comment period closed on February 3, 2024. EPA is currently reviewing all comments received. Please visit the docket for this draft (Regulations.gov - Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0415) to view submitted comments or for information related to the docket.
We seek input from everyone and encourage you to consider the following key questions when reviewing and commenting on the draft strategy:
- What actions could help the U.S. meet its goals that are not reflected in the draft?
- What type of research should be funded?
- What actions would result in more equitable outcomes for underserved and/or food insecure communities?