Food Waste Problem: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

This study examines the issue of food waste, including its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. It includes both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including interviews and surveys. The study reveals that food waste is a significant problem in the UK, with urban areas being the primary contributors. It also highlights the importance of individuals and organizations taking initiatives to reduce food waste and comply with regulations.

Food Waste problem

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Qualitative data ..........................................................................................................................1
Quantitative data.........................................................................................................................2
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................27
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................28
Appendix........................................................................................................................................29
Interview...................................................................................................................................29
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................30

INTRODUCTION
Food waste is the biggest problem across entire world and countries are also introducing range of strategies in order to
minimize the same. In the same way, current study will help to identify the views of people with regards to food wastage. Thus, the
study is completely based upon primary study in which both qualitative and quantitative data are analyzed and examine the issues and
ways of food waste problem.
Qualitative data
This type of research involves analyzing the non-numeric data that assist to understand the concepts, opinions and experiences.
Also, it is used to gather in-depth insights into a problem and as a result generate new ideas as well ( Qualitative and quantitative
research, 2020). For the present study, interview is conducted in which 1 managers of Kennan recycling Ltd and 1 manager of
Rubbish facts has been selected. Also, with the help of their views the problem of food wastage is identified, the interpretation of the
transcript is as mentioned below:
Theme 1: food come from different areas in UK
By conducting an interview, it is analyzed from both interviewees that they do not have an accurate idea but, most of the waste
is come from household sides and farm areas. Whereas, another interviewee said that food wastage is dump by restaurants, farms and
household. Therefore, majority of them stated that waste food is dumped by household areas in which dry and wet waste is thrown by
people.
Theme 2: Initiatives took by organization to food waste management
Both organization took different initiatives in order to manage the food such that Manager of Kennan stated that the conduct
audit at regular basis and also uses advance technology i.e. in-vessel composting. On the other side, Manager of Rubbish Facts stated
that it uses the same technology and properly composed the entire food waste in order to reuse the food material as well.
Theme 3: Challenges face by company with regards to food waste management
1

As food waste is consider the biggest problem, that is why, most of the organizations faces many challenges such that climatic
changes and fresh water are considered the biggest challenges to manage the food. Whereas, interviewee of Rubbish Facts state that
energy efficiency is considered the biggest challenge for an organization.
Theme 4: Comparison of UK with other countries in term of food waste
Though the percentage of food waste is increases from last year but there are many agencies and organization who
continuously took initiatives in order to manage the food. Thus, by comparing the standards of UK with other countries, it is identified
from interviewees that UK's system is far better than US because people are more focused upon the food waste problem and ensure
that minimum food is wastage by them. This in turn helps to minimize the problem up to some level.
Quantitative data
It is the process which helps to collect and analysed the data in numerical format. With the help of this type, average pattern
and relationship is identified which in turn assist to identify the causes of food wastage problem. For this, questionnaire is designed
under survey method in which relevant questions are asked to 10 employees of Kennan Recycling Ltd. Further with the help of SPSS
software, views of selected respondents are analysed that helps to conduct in depth research upon the chosen topic.
Thematic analysis
With the help of thematic data analysis method, different themes are designed by referring the questionnaire. In this, relevant
graphs and tables are presented which helps to interpret the respondent’s views in better manner. This in turn assist to reflect entire
findings in better manner that helps to identify the issue i.e. food waste problem.
Gender
Frequency Percent
Male 8 80.0
Female 2 20.0
2

Total 10 100.0
Interpretation: Through the above, it is interpreted that there are 8 males and 2 females from the total selected participants.
3

Age
Frequency Percent
22-26 2 20.0
26-50 7 70.0
50 above 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
4

Interpretation: From the above table it is interpreted that the selected participants age is fall under 26 to 50. whereas, only 2
of them stated that they fall under 21 to 26 and 1 of them stated their age is above than 50.
5

Theme 1: Food waste problem in UK increases
Frequency Percent
Yes 7 70.0
No 2 20.0
Don't know 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
6

Interpretation: the above graph exhibits that majority of the people stated yes, the fast waste food problem is increases from
last many years in UK. Such that out of 10, 7 stated yes and 2 stated no. Thus, it is analysed by statistics from Waste and Resources
7

Action Program that household food waste in increases by 4.4% in UK from last many years and this in turn increase the problem in
UK as well.
Theme 2: Areas that dumps more food
Frequency Percent
Rural 2 20.0
Urban 6 60.0
Both 2 20.0
Total 10 100.0
8

Interpretation: By conducting the secondary research it is interpreted that urban area's people brings more food waste as
compared to others. Such that out of 100% 60% of them stated yes and only 20% stated that rural people dumps waste food.
Therefore, it is clearly reflected that there are many sources through which food waste increases i.e. storage, packaging and household
9

waste etc. This in turn increases the problem in country and waste food happen during events when food is prepared in large quantity.
Hence, it is increases among urban areas only because of many events taken place.
Theme 3: Type of waste dump by people
Frequency Percent
Wet waste 4 40.0
Dry waste 4 40.0
hazardous waste 1 10.0
biomedical waste 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
10

Interpretation: From the primary research, it is identified that the percentage of food waste is increases. Among all type, both
dry and wet food waste is dump by people. Such that 40% of the total selected respondents are stated this, while 10% of them them
stated that hazardous food is dumped. On the other side, 10% of them stated that biomedical wastage is another type which is sump by
11

people. Therefore, Schanes, Dobernig and Gözet (2018) supported the same by stating that in household, majority of the people dump
wet and dry food such that vegetables and fruit peels , eggshells and tea leaves etc. This in turn increase the food wastage which
somehow affect the environment in negative manner.
Theme 4: Root cause of food wastage in your country
Frequency Percent
Yes 7 70.0
No 2 20.0
Don't know 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
12

Interpretation: In accordance with the graph, it is recognized that majority of the people stated that in UK, there is a root
cause of food wastage which is supported by 7 people out of 10. On the other side, 2 of them stated no, there is no cause and only 1 of
them do not know anything about it. Hence, Bellemare and et.al., (2017) also share their views that purchase and preparation of too
13

much food is considered the leading cause of food waste. Whereas, over preparation of food is another cause in household that also
lead to increase the food wastage within the specific country.
Theme 5: food waste contribute to climate change
Frequency Percent
Strongly agreed 3 30.0
Agreed 4 40.0
Disagreed 2 20.0
Strongly disagreed 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
14

Interpretation: Through the above diagram, it is interpreted that majority of the respondents are agreed that food wastage is
lead to climate change such that out of 100%, 40% of them are agreed whereas, 30% are strongly agreed with the statement. While
20% of them are disagreed and this is clearly reflected that there is a direct impact upon climate change. Stancu, Haugaard and
15

Lähteenmäki (2016) supported the same by stating that due to food wastage, methane gas in increases which in turn contribute to raise
heat in earth. Throwing food also increase the carbon dioxide in environment which in turn also affect the entire environment in
negative manner. Therefore, wastage of food is negative contribute to climatic change and leads to affect the greenhouse gas as well.
Theme 6: way through which individuals can do to reduce their food waste
Frequency Percent
Yes 7 70.0
No 2 20.0
Don't know 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
16

Interpretation: Yes, there are many ways through which individuals reduce their food waste and t his is also supported by
majority of respondents within primary research. Whereas, 20% of them stated no and only 10% of them stated that they do not know
17

about anything. Thus, Scherhaufer and et.al., (2018) explain in their studies that an individual should buy less and shop smarter so that
people start reducing the food waste and this in turn improve the overall environment.
Theme 7: Organization comply with any laws and regulation with regards to food waste management
Frequency Percent
Yes 7 70.0
No 2 20.0
Don't know 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
18

Interpretation: In accordance with the above table, it is interpreted that there are many laws and regulations define by the
country in order to manage the food wastage. Such that out of 100%, 70% of the selected respondents are agree that quoted firm
comply with the laws, whereas 20% of them stated no and 1% of them do not know anything about it. Hence, it is examined by
19

Garcia-Garcia and et.al., (2017) that with the help of Environment Protection Act, 1990 it is the duty of every organization to make
sure that they comply with laws with regards to food waste management so that it does not cause any negative impact upon the
environment which may further lead to affect the brand reputation of a country.
Theme 8: Food waste management strategies are used by you company
Frequency Percent
Anaerobic composting 2 20.0
Incineration 2 20.0
Both 6 60.0
Total 10 100.0
20

Interpretation: In accordance with the the above table, it is interpreted that there are many strategies implemented by the
Kennan Recycling Ltd in order to manage the food. Such that out of 100%, 60% stated that company uses both anaerobic composting
and incineration strategies which in turn help to recycle the food. In the opinion of Tonini, Albizzati and Astrup (2018) with the help
21

of such strategies companies are trying to reuse the food by composting the bacteria which thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. On
the other side, with incineration, the food is converted into ash, flue gas and heat which somehow leads to generate the heat and that is
why, these methods are adopted by different food waste management countries that helps to protect from climatic change.
Theme 9: organization took any initiatives to deal with food waste problem
Frequency Percent
Strongly agreed 6 60.0
Agreed 1 10.0
Disagreed 2 20.0
Strongly disagreed 1 10.0
Total 10 100.0
22

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Interpretation: Yes, organization took some initiatives in order to deal with food waste problem and that is why, 60% of them
are strongly agreed with the statement and 20% of them are disagreed with the same. Hence it is clearly reflected that with the help of
creating awareness among people with regards to food waste assist to minimize the problem up to some level. On the other side, by
using advance technology and implement the food management strategies also assist to solve the problem up to some level (Visschers,
Wickli and Siegrist, 2016).
Statistical analysis
It is the collection and interpretation of data which is gathered from the primary research. In this, specific tools and techniques
are applied which in turn assist to determine the relationship between two variables which are as mentioned below:
Descriptive Statistics
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Gender Age Do you
think that
food
waste
problem
in UK is
increases?
According
to you,
which of
the
following
areas
brings
more food
wastage?
According
to you
which of
the
following
waste is
dump by
people?
Is there
any root
cause of
food
wastage
in your
country?
Do you
agree that
food
waste
contribute
to climate
change?
Is there
any way
through
which
individuals
can do to
reduce
their food
waste?
Does your
organization
comply with
any laws and
regulation
with regards
to food waste
management?
Which of
the
following
food waste
management
strategies
are used by
your
company?
Does
your
organiza
tion
took
any
initiativ
es to
deal
with
food
waste
problem
?
Mean 1.2 1.9 1.4 2 1.9 1.4 2.4 1.4 1.4 2.4 2.1
Median 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 3 1
Mode 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 1.00a 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 1.00
a. Multiple modes exist. The smallest value is shown
Interpretation: Through the descriptive statistics, it is exhibit that majority of the chosen participants are male as compared to
female. Also, most of them are highly agreed that number of food waste problem in UK is increases from last many years, whereas
50% of them are stated that majority of the food is thrown by urban areas in which household, events , restaurants are included. In
addition to this, this waste is also affected the climate in negative manner, whereas average of the selected respondents are agree that
there are many ways through which the food waste problem is minimized. Hence, it is clearly reflected from the table that majority of
the respondents are agreed that different food waste management organizations are uses various strategies in order to meet the define
aim and this in turn helps to reduce the current problem up to some extent.
25

Regression analysis:
H0 (Null hypothesis): There is no significant relationship between the food waste and climatic condition
H1 (Alternative hypothesis): There is a significant relationship between the food waste and climatic condition
Model Summary
Model R R Square Adjusted R
Square
Std. Error of
the Estimate
1 .500a .250 .156 .91337
a. Predictors: (Constant), Do you agree that food waste contribute
to climate change?
ANOVAa
Model Sum of
Squares
df Mean Square F Sig.
1
Regression 2.226 1 2.226 2.668 .141b
Residual 6.674 8 .834
Total 8.900 9
a. Dependent Variable: According to you which of the following waste is dump by
people?
b. Predictors: (Constant), Do you agree that food waste contribute to climate change?
26

Interpretation: By using the inferential statistical tool, it is interpreted that the p value (0.141) which is greater than the
standard criteria, such that P>0.05 and that is why, alternative hypothesis is rejected over other. Therefore, it is clearly reflected that
there is no relationship between type of waste and its impact upon climatic change. Though there are many changes recorded when the
high amount of food is dump but it is depend upon the type of food thrown by people. Moreover, through the model summary table, it
is also interpreted that there is a moderate relationship between both variable, whereas there is only 25% of the chances of fluctuation
of one variable over other. Such that if the type of waste is changes, then 25% of the changes are recorded upon another variable and
this is exhibit that there is no relationship between type of waste and its impact upon climate.
CONCLUSION
By summing up above report it has been concluded that food waste problem in UK is increases year by year and it is also
proved by conducting the primary research. Such that under qualitative study, interview has been conducted which concluded that
majority of the food waste is thrown by houses, farms and restaurants. On the other side, under quantitative study, questionnaire has
been designed which concluded that food waste is a major problem in UK and there are many root causes that leads to increase the
issue as well. Such that over- production of food, lack of appropriate planning that also increases the food waste problem. In addition
to this, it is also concluded through the primary research that there are many organization who took initiative in order to minimize the
problem of food waste and its negative impact upon environment as well.
27

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bellemare, M. F. and et.al., 2017. On the measurement of food waste. American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 99(5). pp.1148-
1158.
Garcia-Garcia, G. and et.al., 2017. A methodology for sustainable management of food waste. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 8(6).
pp.2209-2227.
Schanes, K., Dobernig, K. and Gözet, B., 2018. Food waste matters-A systematic review of household food waste practices and their
policy implications. Journal of Cleaner Production. 182. pp.978-991.
Scherhaufer, S. and et.al., 2018. Environmental impacts of food waste in Europe. Waste management. 77. pp.98-113.
Stancu, V., Haugaard, P. and Lähteenmäki, L., 2016. Determinants of consumer food waste behaviour: Two routes to food waste.
Appetite. 96. pp.7-17.
Stenmarck, Â. and et.al., 2016. Estimates of European food waste levels. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
Tonini, D., Albizzati, P. F. and Astrup, T. F., 2018. Environmental impacts of food waste: Learnings and challenges from a case study
on UK. Waste Management. 76. pp.744-766.
Visschers, V. H., Wickli, N. and Siegrist, M., 2016. Sorting out food waste behaviour: A survey on the motivators and barriers of self-
reported amounts of food waste in households. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 45. pp.66-78.
Online
Qualitative and quantitative research. 2020. [Online]. Available through: <https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/qualitative-vs-
quantitative-research/>.
28

Appendix
Interview
Questions Manager of Kennan Recycling Ltd Manager of Rubbish Facts
Where does most food
waste in UK come
from?
I do not have accurate idea about it.
But I think food waste is come from
household and farms.
Mostly the food waste is come
from many areas i.e.
household, farms, restaurants.
Does you organization
took any initiatives
with regards to food
waste management?
Yes, we regularly conduct audit in
our company. Except this, we have
introduced in-vessel composting as
an advance technology
We properly composed the
dumps and use in-vessel
composting in which food
waste is treat properly and
convert it into valuable
fertilizer
Does you find any
challenge with regards
to food waste
management ?
Climate change and fresh water are
consider the biggest challenge
Energy efficiency and climatic
changes are biggest challenges
which we face.
How does the UK
compare to other
industrialized countries
in term of food waste?
My country is far better than other i.e.
US because we keep focusing upon
different food waste management
system
People in UK are more
focused upon food waste
problem and that is why, I can
say that with the contribution
of organizations and people
29

we will set a standard in front
of other countries.
Questionnaire
Gender
 Male
 Female
Age
 22-26
 26-50
 50+
1. Do you think that food waste problem in UK is increases?
 Yes
 No
 Don't know
2. According to you, which of the following areas brings more food wastage?
 Rural
 Urban
 Both
3. According to you which of the following waste is dump by people?
 Wet waste
30

 dry waste
 hazardous waste
 biomedical waste
4. Is there any root cause of food wastage in your country?
 Yes
 No
 Don't know
5. Do you agree that food waste contribute to climate change?
 Strongly agreed
 Agreed
 Neutral
 Disagreed
 Strongly disagreed
6. Is there any way through which individuals can do to reduce their food waste?
 Yes
 No
 Don't know
7. Does your organization comply with any laws and regulation with regards to food waste
management?
 Yes
 No
 Don't know
31

8. Which of the following food waste management strategies are used by your company?
 Anaerobic compositing
 Incineration
 Both
9. Does your organization took any initiatives to deal with food waste problem?
 Strongly agreed
 Agreed
 Neutral
 Disagreed
 Strongly disagreed
32