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Throw Out Your Leftovers Day

Time to clear out your fridge! Celebrate Throw Out Your Leftovers Day with a delicious meal and get rid of any unwanted food safely.

Sunday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 29

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYLifestyle

SUBCATEGORYCleaning

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to freshen up your fridge on Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, which falls annually on Nov. 29th! This day is all about inspiring people to take a look at the food they have in their homes and get rid of anything that's gone bad or isn't safe to eat anymore. It was created as a way for us to practice good hygiene and make sure our kitchens are clean and tidy. So don't let your food spoil - join us in celebrating Throw Out Your Leftovers Day!

TIMELINE

Throw Out Your Leftovers Day Timeline

Creation of the Day

The first Throw Out Your Leftovers Day is observed, encouraging good kitchen hygiene and food safety.

Growing Awareness

News outlets start reporting about the day, enhancing its visibility and global awareness.

Culinary Blogs and Advocacy

Food bloggers start to acknowledge the day, offering tips on re-purposing leftovers before they spoil.

Incorporation in Schools

Educational institutions begin to incorporate food waste understanding as part of their curriculum, coinciding with Throw Out Your Leftovers Day.

Pandemic Highlights Importance

The Covid-19 pandemic shines a light on food security and the importance of not wasting food, making Throw Out Your Leftovers Day more relevant.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Throw Out Your Leftovers Day

Organize a potluck

Invite your friends over and have everyone bring the leftovers from their fridge. You can then make a fun meal out of all the odds and ends.

MAKE

Make a soup

Throw all your leftovers into a big pot and let simmer. The flavors will mix together to create a delicious and unique soup.

DONATE

Donate to a food bank

Your leftovers may be too old for you, but they could still be eaten by someone else in need. Donate to your local food bank or pantry.

HAVE

Have a picnic

Pack up all your leftovers and head outside for a picnic. Enjoy the fresh air while you enjoy all your delicious (and free!) food.

HOST

Host a cooking competition

Challenge your friends to a cooking competition with whatever ingredients are left in their fridge or pantry. See who can come up with the most creative dish!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Throw Out Your Leftovers Day

Eat Healthier

When you throw out your leftovers, it helps encourage healthier eating habits. Instead of eating leftover pizza or Chinese food, it encourages you to cook fresh meals that contain fewer calories and offer more nutritional value. Plus, cooking with fresh ingredients always tastes better than reheated leftovers!

Reduce Food Waste

Throwing out your leftovers helps reduce food waste and allows us to make better use of the resources available. With global and local food shortages, reducing waste of any kind can go a long way in helping those less fortunate who may not have access to regular meals.

Save Money

By throwing out your leftovers, you're saving yourself money. No more wasting precious groceries by letting them go bad or having them take up precious storage space. The cost savings can really add up over time!