Food

Zero Waste Shopping in Philly: Where to Buy Groceries in Bulk

Containers and packages account for 23 percent of landfill waste, equal to about 39 million tons per year, according to the EPA.

Zero waste shopping eliminates this considerable amount of damage to the ecosystem, buying in bulk being a cheaper and eco-friendly method to purchasing groceries.

NOTE: The pandemic has shifted many of the bulk bins (often replacing for pre-bagged items), although those thinner plastic bags can be recycled in the plastic bag recycling bins. Some of the gravity bins (I.e. those that pour down) are still in operation at various stores. Call the store’s location before bringing your own containers.

Where to find bulk grocery bins in Philly

These local stores in Philly, along with their other locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are offering a large supply of options for consumers.

Mariposa Food Co-op

Mariposa, Facebook

Bulk Items: grains, pasta, flours, dried herbs and fruits, coffee and tea, even oils and vinegars, according to Mariposa’s webpage.

Location(s): 4824 Baltimore Avenue in West Philly.

Weavers Way Co-op

Weavers Way, Facebook

Bulk Items: “There are many varieties of granolas, grains, beans, and bulk pasta to choose from, not to mention the harder-to-find items such as dried black trumpet, crimini and shiitake mushrooms, and chipotle, habanero and ancho chiles,” according to Weavers Way’s webpage

Location(s): 8424 Germantown Ave in Chestnut Hill, 559 Carpenter Lane in Mt. Airy, & 217 E. Butler St. in Ambler.

MOM’s Organic Market

MOM’s Organic Market, Facebook

Bulk Items: All locations sell dry goods, spices, coffee, tea, and bar soap. 

Location(s): 34 South 11th Street in Center City, 1149 E. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr & 1631 Kings Hwy N. in Cherry Hill.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market, Facebook

Bulk Items: Variety of nuts, beans, candy, trail mix, & grains

Location(s): 1000 S. Broad St. in Philadelphia, 227 Route 73 S in Marlton, NJ, & a new location coming soon in Dresher.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market, Instagram

Bulk Items: Beans (white, black, pinto, lentils), dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins), & herbs/spices (oregano, paprika). 

Location(s): 8th & South streets in Queen Village 22nd St. & Pennsylvania Ave in Fairmount and more locations in Philly suburbs and South Jersey

Riverwards

Riverwards, Facebook

Bulk Items: “a bulk section full of nuts and grains,” according to Riverwards’ webpage.

Location(s): 2200 E. Norris Street in the Fishtown Area of Philadelphia.

Kensington Community Food Co-op

Kensington Community Food Co-op, Facebook

Bulk Items: grains, nuts, flours, herbs, or coffee, according to KCFC’s webpage

Location(s): 2670 Coral Street in Philadelphia.

While not every grocery supplier has a section dedicated to bulk shopping, there are stores that offer the option if customers bring their own bins/containers.

If you are unsure of whether your local grocery stores have bulk sections, just call and ask!

Broke in Philly is a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. Green Philly is one of more than 20 news organizations in the collective. Follow us on Twitter @BrokeInPhilly.
Jamie McClelland

Jamie is a junior at Villanova University double majoring in English and Communications with a specialization in Media Production. She is currently an Editorial Intern at Green Philly. In her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and short stories, along with watching movies and exploring Philly.

Recent Posts

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

3 days ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

7 days ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

1 week ago

For this community, Building a ‘Green” city is an act of resistance.

The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…

2 weeks ago

The Friends keeping Penn Treaty Park’s Indigenous roots alive

How Penn Treaty Park got its name may be legend, but the community’s commitment to…

2 weeks ago

Fall bioblitz, SEPTA fire risks, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Fall Nature Challenge starts. The Academy of Natural…

2 weeks ago