ASU Waste Watchers is a compilation of infographics, videos, and other media intended to educate the public on food waste and methods to reduce food waste. For example, the site includes information on the proper storage of different types of produce to increase shelf life.
Food Waste Watchers Program
About the Program
U.S. households generate 43.6 million tons of food waste annually, contributing to environmental harm, financial losses of up to $900 per year for families with children, and reduced access to healthy foods—particularly fruits and vegetables. In response, the City of Phoenix partnered with researchers from the Radical Simplicity Lab in the College of Health Solutions at ASU to launch Food Waste Watchers, a two-part program designed to reduce household food waste through education and accessible composting solutions.
Building on the earlier Waste Watchers initiative (2018–2019), Food Waste Watchers provided free education on food waste prevention and composting, along with a year-long complimentary compost collection service for residents living in food deserts and communities heavily impacted by COVID-19. Residents learned how to decrease food loss and waste through practical and usable tips, such as better food purchasing, storing food practices, meal planning tools, and composting. The program engaged 123 residents and successfully diverted 5,385 pounds of food scraps from the landfill.
Food Waste Watchers included two research studies evaluating different combinations of solutions: one study paired education with a Mill bin (high-tech food recycler) or a Recycled City bucket (local compost collection service). Both studies led to reductions in household food waste, improved perceptions and behaviors around food waste, and—in the education group—improvements in diet quality. Notably, waste reductions were sustained and continued to improve over six months, highlighting the program’s potential for lasting impact.
Why is managing food waste important?
- Reducing food waste adds money to your pocket.
- Your opportunities for healthy eating are increased.
- Food waste in landfills creates methane gas and contributes to climate change.
Food Waste Watchers Participant Testimonial
“I am so excited to continue using the mill (bin). Since starting I have saved 46 pounds of food waste from entering the landfills. The app has showed me that I don't enjoy the fact that I haven't used that much food that I have bought. This has encouraged me to be more mindful of what foods I buy and how I utilize it before it goes bad. I also enjoy knowing that any food waste can be used to replenish our planet and that's super exciting to me.”