The waste-free week from September 7 to 13, 2026

Join Waste-Free Week. Take on the challenge and don't throw away any food for a week during Waste-Free Week. If all Dutch people don't waste food at home for a week, we will save nearly 18 million meals. Will you join in from September 7 to 13, 2026? Together, we are making the Netherlands waste-free. We know that no one wants to waste. Yet, on average, the Dutch throw away 25,5 kilos of food per person per year.

Tips to prevent waste

By being smart about changing meal plans, you can prevent food waste. Check out the tips:

Cook with what you have

Are you missing one or more ingredients? Don't run to the supermarket immediately, but first check what you still have at home. There may be products in the fridge, pantry, and freezer that you can use perfectly well as an alternative. Think of frozen vegetables and fruit, frozen fish, or a can of peeled tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

You have it at home

Unexpected extra guests at the table? No stress. Products from your pantry and freezer can help you quickly expand a meal. Think of a can of legumes to add to a curry sauce or wrap filling. Pasta or couscous to complement a salad. Or a can of diced tomatoes and frozen vegetables to make extra pasta sauce.

The freezer is your best friend

Do you have leftovers because there were fewer guests than planned? Or are you spontaneously going out for dinner while you need to do some grocery shopping at home? By freezing leftovers and other food, you can extend their shelf life by months. Think of vegetables and fruit, but also grated cheese, beaten eggs, and meat (do this on or before the 'use by' date).

Share with others

Do you have leftover ingredients or have you made more food than you can eat? Then make someone else happy with it. Think of neighbors, family, or friends.

Food waste in Dutch homes drops further to 25,5 kilos

New research by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre shows that the amount of food waste in Dutch homes has decreased further. In 2025, households wasted an average of 25,5 kg of solid food per person. This is equivalent to the weight of one meal per week for a year. In 2015, 36 kg of solid food per person was still wasted.

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre measures the amount of food waste in Dutch households every three years. In 10 years, the amount has decreased by almost 30%. The goal to which the Netherlands has committed is a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 12.3).

The most important figures at a glance

These are the key figures from the study:

• In 2025, households wasted an average of 25,5 kg of solid food per person.
• Converted, that is 100 euros per person per year that households can save.
• In 10 years, the amount of food waste by households has decreased by nearly 30%.
• Bread, vegetables, fruit, potatoes, and dairy are the most frequently thrown away by Dutch consumers.
• 81% of Dutch people think they waste (much) less than average. This means they underestimate their own wasteful behavior.

<strong> More info: </strong>

Together against food waste: https://samentegenvoedselverspilling.nl/