Policy Impacts and Determinants of Food Wastes in Korea

The object of this study are: (1) to identify the determinants of food wastes; (2) to analyze policy impacts on food wastes empirically. For these purpose, this study focused on two policy interventions, volume-based waste fee system and separate collection of food wastes. According to empirical results by a dynamic panel model, both policies are successful to reduce food waste; decrease waste management expenses; increase the recycling of food waste. In particular, an economic incentive policy is effective to minimize the amount of food wastes. Because food waste is closely related to food consumption behavior, we should prepare comprehensive strategies of government regulation and economic incentives as well as consumer education to change food consumption and waste behaviors.