Waste and landfill diversion
Coles prioritises waste recovery pathways that seek to retain the value of materials and keep materials in circulation.
Diversion rates vary by location due to differences in regional infrastructure and service availability.
We assess recovery opportunities with a view to operational and commercial viability, and whether they will support circularity and emissions reduction.
We have established resource recovery programs across our stores, distribution centres and manufacturing facilities to maximise recycling and divert waste from landfill, including cardboard and clear pallet wrap.
Once collected by our partners, these materials are turned into new products, such as new cardboard and recycled plastics. Our resource recovery options differ in each state and suburb, according to what recycling infrastructure is available in that area.
Waste contributes to Coles’ total emissions footprint, and we view our waste reduction activities in the context of our overall efforts to decarbonise and reduce our impact on the environment.
Reducing food waste
Reducing food waste is a priority due to its financial, environmental, and social impacts.
We apply a circular approach by retaining edible food in the human food system for as long as possible, recovering value from inedible materials and avoiding landfill. This approach is guided by our food waste hierarchy, prioritising the donation of surplus edible food, diversion to animal feed, organics recycling and other recovery pathways.
Coles supports Australia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to halve food waste by 2030. We also have a comprehensive food waste reduction strategy aligned with our overarching sustainability ambitions.
Since 2019, every Coles supermarket and distribution centre has at least one food waste diversion solution available, ranging from donating to food rescue organisations such as SecondBite and Foodbank, or to farmers and animal or wildlife services, food waste recycling collections, and in-store food waste processors.
We have partnered with SecondBite since 2011 and Foodbank since 2003 to rescue unsold, edible food that would otherwise have gone to waste. To date, we have donated the equivalent of 336 million meals to SecondBite and 47million meals to Foodbank.
Our range of ‘I’m Perfect’ fruit and vegetables celebrates produce that may be flawed in appearance but provides tasty quality at great value. It also helps ensure that a larger proportion of crops grown is picked and used, helping to reduce food waste.
