Challenges

No food to waste – closed

City of Amsterdam

 

Background

The demand for raw materials has grown exponentially in the past century: the world population has come to use 34 times as many raw materials, 27 times more minerals, 12 times more fossil fuels, and 3.6 more biomass. This process is not sustainable.

Amsterdam has its work cut out for it, too. On 13 July 2016, the City Council adopted the Waste Implementation Plan (Uitvoeringsplan Afval). This plan sets a target of 65% separation of household waste by 2020. In 2013 this rate stood at 19%, and has now increased to 27%.

In terms of weight percentage, organic waste (food waste) makes up the largest component of household waste. This includes both avoidable waste (food wastage) and non-avoidable waste. Nation-wide figures show that some 13% of our food is thrown away unused every year, adding up to over 40 kilogrammes of food per person per year. By reducing food wastage in Amsterdam (prevention), we can contribute to achieving the target of 65% separation of household waste by 2020.

 

The challenge

Find a smart solution to counter food wastage by Amsterdam households.

 

Criteria

  • The solution should provide insight into a possible business case;
  • It should also aim for a wider societal impact; for instance, by linking the solution to a healthy diet, to increasing social cohesion, or to employing Amsterdam residents who need to get back into the workforce.

Issued by: RVE Ruimte en Duurzaamheid