The Methodology to Evaluate Food Waste Generation with Existing Data in Thailand

Abstract

According to the Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, there is a target to reduce global food loss and waste by 50 percent, by 2030. Currently, Thailand does not have a food waste database or food waste index reports that employ highly accurate methods of measurement. So, tackling the amount of food waste generation is a top priority and challenge in achieving the SDG target. This research aims to present a method that can be adapted to report the amounts of food waste based on available data constraints and a systematic review of the literature, in comparison with the UNEP food waste index report. Due to the limited availability of food waste data in Thailand, especially at household, food service, and retail levels, this study uses level 1 modeling to estimate food waste generation occurring at the national level. These data are based on municipal solid waste (MSW) volumes and organic waste composition. As reported by the Pollution Control Department, organic waste, accounting for 63.57 percent total of garbage, was collected by municipalities across the country. The result showed that the level 1 food waste index of Thailand was 167 kg/capita/year, a value lower than that reported by UNEP. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021 provides a household food waste measure in Thailand of 79 kg/capita/year. The limitation of the estimated calculation of the level 1 food waste index is that the total amount of food waste cannot be classified by sector (households, food service, and retail), material type including edible part (human consumption), and inedible parts (bones, rinds, etc.), and the destinations. The level 2 and level 3 food waste indices both consist of the quantification and qualification of waste by sector, material type, and destinations. On the other hand, the quantification methodology of measurement should be combined with methods that gather more comprehensive information, up to the level of accuracy that includes access to the physical food waste being quantified. The results from this study led to a recommendation to define and select the appropriate methodology of measurement for food waste quantification and disaggregation depending on the main purpose, specific conditions, the technology available. These existing resources are key to tracking and monitoring progress towards the achievement of the food waste reduction targets.