The average U.S. family of four tosses $1,500 worth of food each year in the trash. Even the most conscientious consumer can't avoid the problem of food waste, though retailers and cities that require mandatory composting are making strides in ensuring that waste at least avoids the landfill.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039421/what-grocery-stores-can-do-to-eliminate-the-food-waste-problem