Reduce Food Waste

40% of all food in America is wasted. And consumers are the largest source of it. Not only is our food wasted, but 25% of all freshwater, and significant amounts of energy, land and chemicals required to produce it are wasted too. Wasted food ends up rotting in landfills emitting 16% of U.S. methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. On the bright side, the solution is simple. By using up food, storing it properly, and getting creative with recipes, we can prevent this unnecessary waste.

graph of greenhouse gas impact per food item

Relative greenhouse gas emissions

Our food went on a long journey to get into your hands, let’s make sure it wasn’t all for nothing. Find tips on reducing your food waste below, and learn more at savethefood.com.

Compost Drop-Off

Feed gardens, not landfills! Bring your inedible food scraps to one of the compost drop-off locations in Truckee. Your food scraps will composted, and methane emissions will be reduced.

Truckee Town Hall
Mountain Hardware on Donner Pass Rd
Glenshire General Store
Slow Food Lake Tahoe Community Garden

Tips to Reduce Food Waste

Click the images below for tips on how you can prevent food waste.

Food Recovery Organizations

SB 1383, “California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy” requires that local jurisdictions establish food recovery programs and strengthen food recovery networks. One aspect of strengthening food recovery networks is that jurisdictions must host the information of food recovery organizations on their website, so that commercial edible food generators can identify which organizations could potentially accept their food. Listed below are food recovery organizations in our community.

Sierra Community House

Contact Info: food@sierracommunityhouse.org, 775-545-4083

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Collection Service Area: North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region

Donations Accepted: For the general public: unopened, unexpired nutritious non-perishable food items. Please no chips, soda, or candy. -Donations are accepted by appointment only- For food generators: Please contact the Hunger Relief Program directly to discuss partnering for food rescue.

Sierra Bible Church

Contact Info: (530) 587-6025

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9-4

Collection Service Area: Donations are accepted at the Main Sanctuary

Donations Accepted: Non-Perishables (Non-expired)

Email signup

If you would like to stay up-to-date on Truckee's sustainability efforts or sign up for trash and recycling pick up day reminders, submit your info here!