Ireland generates 750,000 tonnes of food waste in a year

A recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency found that in commercial general waste bins, 30% of contents are food waste. File picture: PA/thinkstockphotos

In Ireland, approximately 750,000 tonnes of food is wasted each year — the equivalent of 7,000 blue whales — and is a “significant contributor” to climate change, new research has found.

A report by MyWaste.ie, found food waste generates between 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore, preventing and reducing food waste has “both environmental and financial benefits”.