Kitchen routine
Kitchen Scrap and Counter Reset Routine
Pair a short counter reset with EPA food-waste reduction resources to make end-of-day kitchen cleanup easier to plan.
Materials
- A countertop collection bowl or bin
- A meal plan or grocery list
- A clean cloth
- A labeled storage container for leftovers
Steps
- Before preparing food, look at the grocery list and identify items that should be used soon.
- Set a labeled container aside for leftovers so usable food is visible before it is forgotten.
- Review the EPA source linked below for its food-waste-reduction context and choose one planning habit to try this week.
- After food preparation, clear scraps according to your local disposal or composting options and wipe counters using the product label directions for that surface.
- At the end of the day, update the meal plan with leftovers and items that need to be used first.
Safety and boundaries
- Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids, vinegar, alcohol, or other cleaners.
- Follow product labels and food-safety guidance from the appropriate authority for any food-contact surface.
- This planning routine does not replace local waste, composting, or sanitation requirements.
Sources
Preventing Wasted Food At Home | US EPA
Preventing Wasted Food At Home | US EPA Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here’s how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A loc
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