Figures have been rounded.
Other sectors that generate food waste are not shown and produced less than 100,000 tons per year. These include: sport venues and military installations.
Citation formats
Food waste generated in the United States 2019, by sector
In 2019, the largest amount of food waste in the United States was generated within the industrial sector, which encompasses food manufacturing and processing. It generated approximately million tons of food waste. The entire rest of the country generated an estimated million tons, spread all other sectors.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ can support your business.
Environmental Protection Agency. (April 3, 2023). Estimated volume of food waste generated in the United States in 2019, by sector (in million tons) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved August 04, 2026, from /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/
Environmental Protection Agency. "Estimated volume of food waste generated in the United States in 2019, by sector (in million tons)." Chart. April 3, 2023. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed August 04, 2026. /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Estimated volume of food waste generated in the United States in 2019, by sector (in million tons). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 04, 2026. /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/
Environmental Protection Agency. "Estimated Volume of Food Waste Generated in The United States in 2019, by Sector (in Million Tons)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 3 Apr 2023, /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/
Environmental Protection Agency, Estimated volume of food waste generated in the United States in 2019, by sector (in million tons) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/ (last visited August 04, 2026)
Estimated volume of food waste generated in the United States in 2019, by sector (in million tons) [Graph], Environmental Protection Agency, April 3, 2023. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1199473/amount-of-food-waste-generated-in-the-united-states-by-sector/