Zero Waste

Operational waste, which we handle in our stores, depots and offices, comes from a range of areas, including packaging from the supply chain, product damages and returns, pharmaceutical and hazardous materials, as well as customer waste from car parks, recycling bins and cafes. Our zero-waste policy guides our efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle and redistribute our operational waste, and since 2019, we have sent zero waste from our operations to landfill.

Food loss and waste can happen at every stage of the supply chain and as a large retailer we recognise the vital role we play in addressing this issue. Reducing food waste can lower greenhouse gas emissions from food production, transportation and decomposition, and it can also save water, land and energy that are otherwise used to produce food that is never consumed.

We've been working hard in partnership with our suppliers, colleagues and our customers, to make a positive difference to our communities. That's why we think it's important that we share our food waste data publicly to allow others to understand our impact. ​Our approach for measuring food waste follows industry best practice using the Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standards (FLW Standard) to accurately measure food waste coming from our stores, depots and home offices.

From the amount of food we throw in the bin, to the plastics that we use and what we do with unwanted clothes can all have a big impact on the environment and people’s livelihoods all over the world. We’re doing our bit to reduce, reuse and recycle, wherever possible – and we want to help you do the same.