As concern mounts regarding the issue of food loss and waste in North America, the CEC recognized the need for foundational research into food loss and waste volumes, sources, and environmental and socio-economic impacts.

With close to 168 million tonnes of food lost and wasted in North America each year, the issue of food waste commands our urgent attention. The CEC White Paper for the Characterization and Management of Food Loss and Waste in North America addresses some of the most fundamental questions about food loss and waste in North America—including how much food is lost or wasted, why this problem occurs, and at what cost to the environment and economy.

Diverting organic waste away from landfills using sustainable management practices has quickly become a priority for North American policy-makers, industry stakeholders and the general public.

The Characterization and Management of Organic Waste in North America is a comprehensive report presenting a complete picture of organic waste diversion and processing in North America. Produced as part of the CEC’s North American Initiative on Organic Waste Diversion and Processing, the report focuses on specific types of organic waste—such as food, yard, paper and wood waste—in the residential and the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors in Canada, Mexico and the United States.