In this study, the environmental impact of anaerobic digestion (AD) coupled co-pyrolysis (PY) to dispose of food waste (FW) was assessed. Four cases (mono AD, mono PY, AD coupled PY and AD coupled co-PY) were analyzed in comparison by life cycle assessment. The results showed that coupling technology was an environmentally viable technology compared with mono AD or PY. Among them, AD coupled co-PY presented the best environmental benefit (-0.0038Pt of total environmental impact potential /t FW), and provided a potential way to treat waste plastics and digestate. Moreover, the optimization of AD technology will enhance the total environmental benefits, while the control of emission at the energy recovery stage and the improvement of electricity efficiency are crucial for sustainability. This study provides potential approaches and environmental support for the treatment of FW.