Key Takeaways
- Use the FoodCycler® to recycle spoiled leftovers.
- Donate leftovers to a local charity.
- Freeze leftovers to enjoy later.
- Host a leftovers potluck with friends and family.
Wondering what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers after a hearty feast? Or, maybe the family just left, you have a packed fridge, and now you don’t know what to do with Christmas leftovers. You’re in the right place! At FoodCycler, we specialize in food waste reduction.
Whether you’re stuffed to the brim with stuffing or not sure where to store those untouched casseroles, here’s what to do with holiday leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2 2 2 rule for leftovers?
The 2-2-2 rule is a guideline developed by the New Zealand nonprofit Love Food Hate Waste for safely storing and consuming leftovers. The idea is to refrigerate food within two hours, eat it within two days, and freeze it for up to two months.
How long are holiday leftovers good for?
While the 2-2-2 rule is a great starting point for staying safe, Mayo Clinic states that leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days and frozen for 3–4 months.
Why shouldn’t I throw away holiday leftovers?
When you don’t know what to do with holiday leftovers, it’s tempting to throw them away. However, leftover food recycling is much better for the environment because it prevents landfill waste.
1. Recycle Spoiled Leftovers
Food waste accounts for 24% of landfilled waste in the U.S. When your leftovers decompose, they turn into methane, a greenhouse gas 80x more harmful than carbon dioxide.
If you’re not sure what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers after they’ve spoiled, use them as the perfect excuse to buy a food waste recycler!
The FoodCycler is a portable and powerful kitchen appliance that uses science-based Vortech® technology to transform organic food waste into a dry, nutrient-rich by-product called Foodilizer™ that can be used as a soil amendment.
2. Donate Them
Wondering what to do with holiday leftovers that are still safe to eat? Help community members in need by donating to a local soup kitchen, food bank, food pantry, or shelter.
3. Freeze Them for Later
You might be tired of holiday food now, but those leftovers will be mighty tasty in a month or two!
4. Host a Leftovers Potluck
If you can’t decide what to do with Christmas leftovers, host a Friendsmas celebration (or Friendsgiving in November). Enjoy different holiday fare together, and have everyone bring home a medley of their favorites.
Buy Your FoodCycler
Now that you have ideas for what to do with holiday leftovers, shop our premium kitchen recyclers for food waste, so you’re always ready for the next feast! Enjoy effortless food waste management at home.
