Ealing Council has joined a national voluntary scheme aimed at reducing the UK’s vast levels of food waste, with campaigners warning that millions of tonnes of edible food continue to be thrown away each year despite mounting pressure on households and services.
The council has signed the UK Food and Drink Pact, a WRAP-led initiative bringing together councils, retailers, manufacturers and government bodies to curb waste, cut carbon emissions and improve water efficiency across the food system. Although the pact is not legally binding, supporters say it creates a framework for more consistent action and could help shape national policy.
Ealing Council said it has has been promoting sustainability projects for several years, ranging from community food redistribution schemes to expanded waste collections and efforts to encourage schools to overhaul their food practices.
One example it cited is Our Lady of the Visitation Primary School in Greenford, which has introduced dedicated food-waste collections after receiving support from the council’s Sustainability Managers for Schools programme. It estimates it will divert around three tonnes of food waste in its first year by adapting everyday canteen routines.
Headteacher Kathleen Coll said: “Not only have we saved money in this switch, but we are also tackling climate change. Before, our food waste was just going to landfill or incineration, but now it is being turned into compost, liquid fertiliser, fuel and electricity. The pupils are delighted to have made such a positive change.”
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing’s cabinet member for climate action, said the pact would strengthen the borough’s work with other authorities and industry. He added: “Joining the UK Food and Drink Pact demonstrates Ealing Council’s commitment to promoting best practice that will save money, reduce waste and empower us to tackle the climate crisis together.”
Becky Deadman, strategic engagement manager at WRAP, said: “We need bold ideas and collective action to build a future-proof food and drink industry. Councils like Ealing are crucial partners in this UK-wide effort.”
