Food Grace, a Hong Kong non-governmental organisation which promotes food recycling and green living – and encourages people to correctly recycle mooncake boxes – says up to 3.2 million mooncakes were disposed of in Hong Kong last year.

And it is not just food waste that is problematic. Excessive packaging used in mooncake gift boxes adds to the landfill problem.

A 2022 report by Food Grace found more than 80 per cent of surveyed households indicated that the unnecessary mooncake packaging deserved more attention from relevant authorities.

Giving mooncakes at Mid-Autumn a recent trend in China’s long history

“In the past five years, we’ve collected more than 80,000 mooncakes and redistributed them to more than 100 charities,” says Feeding Hong Kong’s project director Edmond Leung.

Collection points have been set up around the city, with donations accepted until September 25. Rescued mooncakes will go to frontline charities serving the vulnerable, says Leung.

“Recipients include low-income seniors and families who struggle to afford the basics, let alone festive treats.”

For those keen to donate, there are some rules: mooncakes must be able to be stored at room temperature, must be packaged, unopened and have a clearly stated expiry date and manufacturer.

“We also welcome food companies to donate by the case or pallet right up to the festival.”

Who actually likes mooncakes? We only eat them out of a sense of tradition

“We also support the hardworking cleaners who earn minimum wages and work long, tiring hours to keep the streets clean,” says Sadhwani, adding that those who wish to donate neatly packed and sealed mooncakes can connect through Hanuman Charity’s social media platforms.

“We visit homes for the elderly, bringing goodies, engaging in conversations and even playing games together,” he says, adding many face hardships such as illness and loneliness.

“By sharing mooncakes and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with them, we bring joy and a sense of community to their lives.”

What is Mid-Autumn Festival all about? A complete visual explainer

According to the Environmental Protection Department, about 3,255 tonnes of food waste is generated every day, comprising 30 per cent of the city’s total municipal solid waste.

While some might be quick to blame restaurants, hotels or wet markets, 68 per cent of food waste comes from households, says Leung. “The greatest problem – and opportunity – lies in changing consumer behaviour.”

When food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas which affects the Earth’s temperature and climate system, Leung says.

“Feeding Hong Kong addresses the challenge by redirecting surplus food from the commercial and industrial sector to those in need, instead of allowing it to end up in landfills,” he says.

What is Mid-Autumn Festival all about? Chinese legends and how it is celebrated

“Each year, a shocking number of mooncakes end up in landfill, which is heartbreaking when so many are struggling to afford the basics,” says Kirstein.

“This is why we’re rallying the community to save their surplus mooncakes and donate them at one of our collection points across the city. Together, we can feed people, not landfills,” she says.

Feeding Hong Kong is also seeking financial donations to help cover its logistical costs around the Mid-Autumn Festival. “It’s a powerful donation that goes a long way – for the cost of two mooncakes, Feeding Hong Kong can rescue and redistribute 130 surplus ones,” says Leung.

“Over the next few weeks, we will also be packing 3,000 special Mid-Autumn festive food parcels at our Yau Tong food bank. These will include nutritious basics as well as a surplus mooncake treat and will be shared with over 50 charities in the days before the festival.”

Leung says eating appropriate meal portions can help reduce waste.

How Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated, from mooncakes to lanterns

“It is common to prepare too much food when gathering with a group, so to avoid overcooking and preparing foods that might not get eaten, double confirm the number of guests and each person’s dietary preferences before ordering or cooking,” he says.

It is also wise to choose recipes that avoid food waste, he adds. “Be creative and cook in a way that produces the least food waste possible when organising house parties, and ask people what they like and how much they can consume before giving out food such as mooncakes.”

Sadhwani says multiple factors contribute to food waste.

“These include the prevalence of large portion sizes, a cultural tendency to over-order in restaurants, improper food storage and handling practices, and a general lack of awareness regarding food waste reduction and recycling,” he says.

To help reduce waste, Sadhwani says people can minimise food scraps by repurposing vegetable scraps for stocks, composting them, or using them creatively in other dishes instead of discarding them.

Supporting local charities and food banks is another impactful way to prevent waste.

Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn Festival and why seasonal events are more fun

“Many organisations provide meals to homeless individuals, low-income families, and underprivileged individuals. Donating excess food to these organisations ensures that no meal goes to waste, while helping those in need,” he says.

Spreading awareness is also crucial. “People can promote the issue of food waste at schools, workplaces and social events,” says Sadhwani.

“By implementing these practices and actively engaging with the community, people in Hong Kong can play their part in reducing food waste and help create a more sustainable future.”