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ALDI’s commitment to zero waste

Australia wastes more than 7.3 million tonnes of food every year, costing our economy over $20 billion annually. As a major Australian retailer, we recognise that we have a part to play in contributing to a more sustainable future. ALDI has therefore committed to sending zero waste overall to landfill by 2025.

In 2022, we increased our waste diversion rate to 82% (compared to 77% in 2018) and we continue to introduce new programs and efficiencies that will move us closer to our overall waste reduction target.

How we aim to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025

ALDI’s Corporate Responsibility Director, Daniel Baker, says, “Our commitment will see the business reduce the amount of waste created and reuse or recycle materials to cease unnecessary waste from being sent to landfill”.  

ALDI’s largest opportunity to reduce its contribution to landfill is through recovering food waste from our stores and distribution centres (DCs). The following food waste reduction initiatives are currently underway:

  • Ensuring surplus, edible food from our stores and DCs is donated to food rescue organisations to help local communities and people in need.
  • Where the food cannot be rescued for humans, it can be rescued for animal consumption at animal refuges or farms. This initiative is currently under development.
  • Where food is unable to be rescued for human or animal consumption, we will dispose of it in our organics recycling bin, and collected for converting into compost or fertiliser.

In addition to reducing our food waste to landfill, we have several other initiatives including ensuring all stores and DCs are recycling clear, soft plastic film; cardboard and electronic waste (also known as e-waste).

We’re also using our store network to help our customers recycle their household waste through our battery recycling service.

How ALDI is working with food rescue organisations

ALDI stores across Australia are linked to one or more food rescue organisations. In 2021, ALDI donated 8.3 million meals via Foodbank and OzHarvest and local community food rescue organisations. ALDI will continue to expand our store connections and work closely with these organisations to positively impact both our community and the environment.

As an individual, you can make a monetary donation to help support these organisations. Foodbank also accept donations of food and non-perishable pantry items. Learn more about our work with these organisations here.

How ALDI uses recycled materials

recycling commitment

At ALDI, we’re passionate about recycling and are continuously investigating closed-loop opportunities with our business partners. Our reusable shopping bag that customers can purchase across Australia (excluding WA) is made from 80% recycled material, 60% of which is recycled, low density polyethylene (LDPE) pallet wrap from ALDI distribution centres, giving the material a new life.  See more information about our recycling efforts here.

ALDI is committed to the 3 R’s of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and this principle extends beyond what is sold on our shelves. For example, we launched new uniforms for our employees in 2021. Almost 3000 tonnes of old ALDI uniforms were diverted from landfill and recycled into blankets, socks and carpet underlays. Giving these materials a second life is part of what makes ALDI Good Different.

How you can join us in our mission towards zero waste

Now that you know a little bit more about how we’re achieving our goals, find out below how you can get involved. Sending zero waste to landfill is an ongoing commitment and together we can create a more sustainable future.

1. Buy ‘Market Buy’ products from ALDI

We offer a range of fresh produce called ‘Market Buy’, which features seasonal fruit and vegetables that have minor imperfections. Our Market Buy range empowers farmers to sell more of their crops and minimise the waste of edible produce. Look out for Market Buy products the next time you are replenishing your fruit bowl.

2. Buy products made from recycled materials

At ALDI, a number of our Special Buys™ are made from recycled materials. For example, welcome mats made from old tyres, recycling bins made from recycled plastic and reusable coffee cups made from recycled coffee husks. Check out the weekly ALDI Special Buys™ catalogue to see what’s on offer today.

3. Reduce your Food Waste Home

See our page on Zero Waste at Home for tips on how to reduce your food waste footprint at home. We’ve also included some handy recipes for making the most of your leftovers, to help further reduce your waste at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zero waste to landfill means ensuring no waste goes to landfill. This is done by reducing waste, donating, reusing and recycling.

Food waste accounts for approximately 8% of greenhouse gas emissions globally*. Waste includes all edible food that is thrown away or turned away from supermarket shelves because it does not meet the optimal criteria for consumers, such as size, shape and colour.

*Source: https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/food-waste 

7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia each year*. That is the equivalent of throwing away around one in five bags of groceries

*Source: https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/food-waste 

The Australian Government’s ‘National Waste Policy Action Plan’ aims to reduce the total waste generated in Australia by 10% per person. It also aims to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill by 2030.