A recent TikTok video by a user known as the Waste Inspector has left Lidl shoppers shocked after revealing that unsold items, including in-date food and other products, are being thrown away rather than donated. The video, which has garnered significant attention, shows the man retrieving items such as shampoo, tissues, cat food, and alcohol from bins outside a Lidl store.
The Waste Inspector expressed disbelief at the amount of waste, calling it 'insane' and questioning why 'perfectly good stock' was not being donated. He claimed that staff cited company policy, while Lidl attributed the issue to poor staff training, though the inspector insisted it was not an isolated incident.
Viewers reacted with dismay, with one commenting: 'What a waste isn’t it? Good for you getting it out.' Another said: 'I don’t understand why they don’t sell them cheaply to customers. It’s so bad for the environment.' A third added: 'This is mind blowing and extremely sad.'
In response, a Lidl spokesperson stated: 'The examples being shared by the Food Waste Inspector are not reflective of the importance we place on reducing food waste as a business or the robust procedures we have in place.' The spokesperson highlighted that Lidl increased food donations by 65% last year, redistributing over 18.5 million meals through its 'Feed It Back' programme with Neighbourly.
Lidl GB has set a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030 and offers discounts of up to 50% on last-day products, as well as 'Too Good To Waste' boxes in every store. The company said it is retraining colleagues on donation processes to address the issue.
