From November 1 to December 1, the “Empty Plate” campaign is being carried out with the goal of reducing food waste at its source. The initiative is being organized by the Ulaanbaatar City Development and Department of City Standards in collaboration with the Capital’s Public Service Center. This campaign forms part of a broader effort to implement the city standards set under the “Waste Management” group, approved by the Ulaanbaatar City Council in 2022, within the capital city’s administrative institutions.

Over the past years, the department has collaborated with private sectors and schools to promote the implementation of the UCS 1701A:2022 standard on waste management. This year, efforts are being phased into local administrative bodies to enhance the effectiveness of waste management practices.

Food waste, particularly organic waste, rapidly decomposes and releases odors and liquids, creating chemical reactions that can accelerate the decay of other waste materials and emit harmful substances. B.Boloroo, an air quality standards specialist of the department, emphasized the importance of properly separating and reducing food waste at the source to mitigate these negative impacts. “Separating organic food waste and minimizing it from the outset is crucial,” she noted, underscoring the broader environmental benefits of this proactive approach. 

By addressing food waste at the household and institutional levels, the “Empty Plate” campaign aims to instill long-term sustainable practices and improve waste management across Ulaanbaatar City.