Kick Off Summer BBQs Without the Waste
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and gather with friends, but BBQs can also generate a surprising amount of food waste - think single-use plates, disposable cutlery, and mountains of food scraps. With a few smart tips and the help of a food waste recycling machine like the FoodCycler, you can turn potential waste into a resource and keep your summer gatherings both delicious and low waste.
Before: Smart Planning for Low-Waste BBQs
- Plan and portion wisely – Use a portion calculator to avoid overbuying, and make sure you’ve got enough—but not too much!
- Choose reusable or compostable – Bring out your reusable plates and cutlery or go for compostable options if you’re hosting a bigger crowd.
- Prep with intention – When shopping for fresh produce, aim for minimal packaging and keep food scraps like corn husks, carrot tops, and herb stems - they’re perfect for repurposing later.
During: Set Up for Success
- Set up a food waste station – Have a designated bucket or compost bin nearby (like your FoodCycler bucket!) to collect scraps as you go. It keeps your prep area tidy and makes removal or FoodCycling easier later.
- Encourage mindful portions – Let guests serve themselves to cut down on half-eaten plates and offer smaller plates for easier portion control.
- Serve family-style – Putting dishes in the center of the table lets everyone take what they want—less plate waste, more sharing!
Learn what you can put into the FoodCycler here
After: Storing, Sharing, and Repurposing Leftovers
- Store leftovers safely – Use reusable containers and label them with the date. This keeps food fresher longer and prevents mystery fridge finds later.
- Share the bounty – Encourage guests to take home leftovers; bring extra containers or compostable boxes so nothing goes to waste.
-
Repurpose creatively – Give leftovers a second life:
- Corn husks: Soften and use as a natural wrapper for tamales or to infuse broths.
- Grilled veggies: Chop them into a quick pasta salad or grain bowl the next day.
- Leftover burgers and meats: Crumble them into breakfast burritos or tacos for a no-fuss brunch.
Let Foodilizer help your garden thrive
If you’re using the FoodCycler, your leftover scraps become Foodilizer - perfect for your garden or even potted plants on your deck. Summer is prime time to use Foodilizer to nourish your backyard bounty, creating a full-circle approach: garden to table, and back again.
Bonus Recipes to Try:
🌽 Grilled Corn Salad
🍉 Watermelon Rind Pickles
🥗 Mason Jar Pasta Salad
Wrap up: Keep it easy, keep it green
Hosting a low-waste BBQ doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning before, smart strategies during, and creative reuse after, you’ll enjoy summer feasts knowing you’re making a difference, one plate at a time. While it might not be completely waste-free, aiming to reduce food waste as much as possible can have a huge impact. And who knows? Maybe your next BBQ will get you even closer to that zero-waste dream!
Learn more about Foodilizer here.
