We’re cutting food waste to save the planet; but could we be trading landfills for microplastics?

Research cited by The Guardian found that diverting food waste away from landfills can significantly reduce climate and nutrient pollution. However, when food scraps are contaminated with plastic packaging, composting can transfer tiny plastic particles into soil.

The plastic dilemma

Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law has required food scraps to be diverted from landfills since 2020, applying to households across the state. Researchers say the policy provides a useful model for assessing how similar regulations could work on a larger scale.

But the study warns that even highly effective plastic-separation systems may not completely prevent contamination. Researchers estimated that microplastic pollution from composted food waste could potentially add around 20,000 tonnes of plastic to US agricultural soils each year.

“We want to reduce food waste but we also want to prevent needless use of plastics.”

The problem is complicated by the role of packaging. Plastic can extend the shelf life of fresh produce, potentially preventing food from being discarded. At the same time, poorly managed packaging can contaminate organic waste streams.

Food waste and consumer expectations

Researchers also highlighted consumer demand for visually perfect produce as a contributor to food waste. Misshapen or cosmetically imperfect fruits and vegetables can struggle to reach supermarket shelves despite being perfectly edible.

Experts argue that reducing food waste therefore requires changes beyond recycling systems, including reconsidering how food is packaged, sold and consumed.

For waste-management systems to work effectively, researchers say separating food scraps from other waste must be as simple as possible. Incorrect sorting, including so-called “wish recycling” where people place non-recyclable materials in recycling bins hoping they will be accepted, can further complicate the process.

The findings suggest that food-waste policies need to address several environmental goals simultaneously: reducing landfill emissions, preventing food waste and limiting plastic pollution.