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Whole Foods to install smart food waste bins from Mill starting in 2027

Whole Foods partnered with food waste startup Mill to install smart food waste bins in its produce departments starting in 2027. The initiative, supported by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, aims to reduce food waste in stores, which is a significant issue, with 43 billion pounds wasted annually in U.S. grocery stores.

Key points

  • Initiative starts in 2027; Whole Foods will install bins from Mill.
  • Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund invests in Mill but has not disclosed the amount.
  • Mill's bins use sensors to collect data aimed at reducing food waste.
  • Annual food waste in U.S. grocery stores is about 43 billion pounds.
  • Food waste contributes to a store's carbon footprint and costs.
  • Dehydrated food waste from the bins will be turned into chicken feed.

Why it matters

  • Food waste has been a growing concern, linking to sustainability trends.
  • The 2025 IT trends emphasize smart technology in waste management solutions.
  • Previous studies highlight the economic impacts of food waste in retail.

The venture between Whole Foods and Mill represents a significant step towards sustainability in grocery retail, aiming to mitigate food waste while enhancing profitability through innovative technology.