Understanding Turkish households' food waste behavior: A discrete choice modelling approach

Food waste is a critical problem that causes production factors to turn into waste without generating economic value, leading to serious losses at both environmental and macroeconomic levels. This study aims to reveal the multidimensional dynamics of food waste in Türkiye by examining the effects of variables such as household structure, food literacy, and shopping habits on the frequency of food waste, using Turkish Statistical Institute 2024 data. Based on data obtained from 9039 households representing Türkiye as a whole, the sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of food waste frequency are analyzed using the Generalized Ordered Logistic model. Beyond traditional sociodemographic and economic indicators, behavioral, and structural variables extensively studied in the literature, such as shopping planning behavior, awareness of expiration and best before dates, food storage practices, and housing characteristics, were also included in the analysis. The findings show that increases in total household expenditures and disposable income are positively correlated with the frequency of food waste. In contrast, increases in food expenditures are negatively correlated with the frequency of food waste. Younger, more educated household heads had a higher frequency of food waste, whereas household heads aged 55 and over exhibited more cautious food management behavior. Households in the largest size category were more likely than those in the smallest to report never wasting food. Significant behavioral determinants of food waste included unplanned shopping, eating out, and awareness of expiration and best before dates. Regarding housing and environmental factors, tenure status, dwelling size, heating fuel, detached house ownership, and ease of access to shopping centers showed significant effects.JEL Codes: C25, D12, Q53.