Zero Waste Europe: Food Surplus Management

In 2022, the city of Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain launched a pilot to rescue surplus food from local school cafeterias and redistribute it to those in need throughout the city. They implemented a reusable takeout container system, collecting returned containers from distribution centers around the city and washing and sanitizing them at school kitchens. Containers did not require a deposit but maintained return rates of over 90% based on education and messaging.