Belfast City Council has launched a new restaurant scheme aimed at encouraging diners to take home their leftovers and reduce food waste.
Over 141,000 tonnes of uneaten food went to landfill in Northern Ireland last year adding to the region's greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the Sustainable Restaurant Association, around a third of waste from Belfast food businesses is what customers leave on their plates.
Read more: 141,300 tonnes of biodegradable NI waste sent to landfill despite climate impact
The new 'Cater 4 Later' scheme, launched during Food Waste Action Week, aims to tackle the issue at eateries across the city.
Chair of Belfast City Council ’s People and Communities Committee, Councillor Micky Murray, says the scheme is "a win, win for both customer and businesses".
He added: "The amount of food waste that continues to be sent to landfill from food businesses and homes is quite staggering. When it comes to eating out, leftover food on plates doesn’t mean that customers are not enjoying their meal; in many cases they are simply too full to finish it.
"I think a lot of people would love the option of bringing their leftovers home to enjoy later that evening or the next day, but diners aren’t always sure if restaurants can facilitate this; so I’m delighted that council is stepping forward to provide a solution with the 'Cater 4 Later' scheme, which is a real win, win for both customers and businesses."
"I would encourage all food providers across the city to sign up, so they can provide a wider service to their customers and ultimately help improve our local environment by reducing their levels of food waste going to landfill."
Businesses who join the scheme will benefit from improved sustainability and being more environmentally friendly, as well as improving their customer service and satisfaction.
Ricky Armstrong, owner of the Guillemot Deli & Café in Ballyhackamore is an early adopter.
He said: "Food waste is something that we deal with daily. These ‘Cater 4 Later’ boxes provided by council will go a long way in helping us to reduce our levels of waste and have the added benefit of allowing us to provide a better offering to our customers. We’re delighted to sign up to the scheme."
Boxes used for the Cater 4 Later scheme are made of food grade cardboard and can be composted, so customers can dispose of them along with their food and garden waste.
Businesses can find out more information about the “Cater 4 Later” scheme and sign up directly online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cater-for-later
For helpful hints and tips on how to reduce food waste at home this Food Waste Action Week, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
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