There is no waste in functioning natural ecosystems. All organisms, dead or alive, are potential sources of food for other organisms. A caterpillar eats a leaf; a robin eats the caterpillar; a hawk eats the robin. When the plant, caterpillar, robin, and hawk die, they are in turn consumed by decomposers.
It is always a most delightful moment for me when people contact me via mail or approach me at game fairs and thank me for the many enjoyable hours I have brought them with my games.