National Food Waste Assessment - Final Report

About the report

Wasted food represents significant costs to households and businesses in Australia and has environmental consequences as well. The need to improve food waste data and information was identified as a significant issue during the development of the National Waste Policy (2009) and the National Waste Report (2010).

The Institute for Sustainable Futures, at University of Technology Sydney was commissioned by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to produce a data assessment report on Australian food waste. This report collates and reviews the quality and nature of 1262 food waste studies conducted in Australia, ranging from regional waste management authority reporting and research papers to national studies. The report answers three questions: what do we know about food waste in Australia; how good is the knowledge; and who are the knowledge holders?

The report concludes that while there are many existing food waste studies, they are highly variable, both in terms of geographical relevance and methodology, making it impossible to compile accurate national data on food waste. The report also indicates that the absence of a national understanding of food waste makes it more difficult to improve the environmental performance of our waste management systems.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.

Further information

• National Waste Policy