New figures reveal the UK wastes a staggering 10.2 million tonnes of food every year, with an extra three million tonnes wasted over the festive period.

With kitchens overflowing and fridges crammed full, festive excess means food waste spikes, particularly when it comes to the nation’s favourite side dish: roast potatoes.

Waste removal experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals estimate that more than 40 million roast potatoes could be wasted on Christmas Day alone, as households over-cater, misjudge portions and throw away perfectly edible leftovers.

Britain throws away enough food at Christmas to fill millions of plates, and your roast potatoes are top of the list.

According to the latest data by Numan, potatoes are the most wasted food in the UK, with an average 1,300 tonnes thrown away every single day. That’s the equivalent of more than 21 million roast potatoes. enough to cover Christmas dinner tables across the country many times over.

A record high of £460 per average household was also spent on Christmas groceries last year yet painfully, 200,000 tonnes of that food was wasted - equivalent to 6.6 million bins full.

With this in mind, Rainbow Rubbish Removals are urging households in the UK to think greener this Christmas, revealing the true scale of festive food waste and sharing practical tips for celebrating more sustainably this year.

Councils call for more responsible waste disposal, following hazards

Last Christmas, the sheer volume of waste forced Carmarthenshire Council to inform residents it was “unable to complete collections due to the quantity of waste presented”, highlighting how seasonal excess can disrupt essential services.

Brighton and Hove’s Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, previously warned that improper festive disposal has knock-on effects across entire communities:

“We have seen a lot of waste left on roadsides, alongside communal bins, or in parks and open spaces. If we have to divert staff to clear waste on an ad hoc basis, then those staff can’t do their usual work to keep the city clean and in many cases the waste is no longer recyclable.”

Similarly, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Krupa Sheth, urged residents to think more carefully about what they throw away during Christmas:

“Protecting the environment is one of our Council’s top priorities. Food and garden waste thrown away unnecessarily adds to the challenges already faced. Please use the disposal and recycling options available to help keep our borough cleaner and greener.”

With potatoes now confirmed as the most wasted food in the UK, councils say Christmas dinners significantly contribute to the problem, as uneaten roast potatoes, vegetables and trimmings are thrown away in vast quantities.

Experts reveal: 6 ways to cut Christmas food waste

Miroslav Radov, waste collection expert at Rainbow Rubbish Removals, says Christmas food waste is one of the most avoidable environmental problems of the year:

“Christmas has become a season of extreme excess, and much of the waste generated is entirely avoidable. From mountains of uneaten food to over-purchased groceries, councils are overwhelmed every festive period. Potatoes, vegetables and cooked food that could be frozen or reused too often end up in the bin.”

1. Buy only what you’ll actually cook

With food spending peaking at Christmas, over-buying is common. Planning portions carefully, such as weighing potatoes per person, can dramatically reduce waste.

2. Cook smaller batches and top up if needed

Instead of roasting everything at once, cook in stages. This prevents trays of roast potatoes being left untouched and thrown away.

3. Freeze leftovers immediately
Roast potatoes, mash and parboiled spuds freeze well if cooled and stored properly. Freezing leftovers on Christmas Day prevents them being forgotten and binned days later.

4. Get creative with next-day meals
Leftover potatoes can be turned into bubble and squeak, hash, soups or potato cakes. Recipe generator apps can help households use what they already have.

5. Reduce packaging waste when shopping
Buying loose produce or bulk potatoes cuts down on unnecessary packaging and helps households buy only what they need.

Miroslav adds:

“To avoid unnecessary packaging, bring reusable produce bags and buy loose vegetables. You’ll reduce waste and avoid buying more than you need.”

6. Compost unavoidable food waste
If food waste can’t be avoided, composting potato peelings and scraps keeps them out of landfill and reduces emissions.