Post-Christmas tips to save money and cut food waste
With Christmas Day behind us, households across Wales are being encouraged to make the most of festive leftovers, save money, and help power homes by recycling any food that can’t be eaten.
The campaign — Save time, save money, and power Wales to No.1 this Christmas — highlights how simple post-festive habits can make a big difference to both the environment and household budgets.
According to Welsh Government recycling data, the average four-person household throws away around £84 of food each month, much of it still edible. Over the Christmas period, that figure often rises due to larger meals and extra ingredients.
Plan and use what’s left
Even after Christmas Day, meal planning can help cut waste and save money. Before heading to the shops for more supplies, households are being advised to check cupboards, fridges, and freezers for what’s already there.
Combining ingredients can turn leftovers into new dishes — from turkey or nut roast curries to soups, wraps, and bubble & squeak. Cheese scraps can add flavour to toasties or mashed potatoes, and unused vegetables can bulk out stews or pasta dishes.
Freezing any remaining portions is also recommended, helping food last longer and reducing the need for additional shopping in the days ahead.
Recycle what can’t be eaten
Any food that can’t be reused or frozen should go into local food waste caddies. Items such as peelings, bones, eggshells, and teabags are processed into renewable energy that helps power homes across Wales.
Just one full food caddy can generate enough energy to keep a string of Christmas lights glowing for two days.
Wales is currently ranked second in the world for recycling. By recycling all unavoidable food waste, residents can help push the nation closer to becoming world number one.
Small changes, big impact
From using up leftovers to recycling kitchen scraps, small daily actions can have a significant environmental impact. Every meal reused or caddy filled helps cut landfill, reduce emissions, and generate clean energy for local communities.
Households are being urged to keep up good habits into the New Year — saving money, reducing waste, and helping to make Wales a global leader in recycling.
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