Abstract
In collaboration with Kyoto University, Kyoto City conducted a detailed waste compositional analysis that began in 1980 and has continued for more than 40 years. In terms of its continuity and detailed survey classifications, it is definitely one of the world’s more unique surveys. Among the classifications, food waste and food loss are recognized as important waste categories and targeted for reduction. In addition to detailed classifications, we have tried to comprehend discarding tendencies and appearance rates using best-before dates and (household)bag-based weighing. With regard to waste from businesses, a detailed waste compositional analysis was conducted several times since 2007 using similar techniques.
Survey results show that food waste accounts for the largest proportion of both household and business wastes, approximately 40% by weight. Although there is a trend that supports the reduction of waste, the goal of halving food waste from its current peak has still not been reached. Since households will offer a variety of reasons for this outcome, we have provided information to develop policies and consumer education, including the need to consider various reduction countermeasures. It is important to maintain the collaborative schemes now in place and to continue the survey into the future, while incorporating appropriate improvements.
