Germany faces 6.3 million tonnes of annual household food waste

In Germany, private households are responsible for approximately 6.3 million tonnes of food waste annually, representing 58% of the total 10.8 million tonnes produced across the entire supply chain. On average, each consumer discards 74.5 kg of food per year, with the most frequently wasted items being bread, baked goods, fruit, and vegetables.

To address this, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) has announced a nationwide action week titled ‘Too good for the bin!’ scheduled from September 29 to October 6, 2026. Supported by consumer advice centers, the campaign aims to raise awareness and provide practical solutions to reduce waste. Common causes for household waste include improper storage, exceeding best-before dates, and over-purchasing.