You are encouraged to attend the defence. The details of the defence and attendance information is included below:

Date: November 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PT)

Defence Mode: Remote
Virtual Attendance: via Zoom

LINK TO JOIN:  Please contact the Office of Graduate Administration for information regarding remote attendance for online defences.

To ensure the defence proceeds with no interruptions, please mute your audio and video on entry and do not inadvertently share your screen. The meeting will be locked to entry 5 minutes after it begins: please ensure you are on time.

Thesis entitled: Diner Leftover Food Waste: Measurement, Drivers, and Potential Effects — A Case Study of an Asian Noodle Restaurant

Abstract: Food Loss and Waste (FLW) has become a critical global issue, undermining sustainability efforts and contributing to climate change. A comprehensive understanding of FLW is essential for developing reduction strategies and assessing environmental impacts. However, challenges persist, particularly in the consistency of FLW data across the food supply chain, with limited research on FLW in the food service sector. Including liquid and solid Food Waste (FW) is crucial for effective FLW management, yet research on liquid FW still needs to be conducted. Additionally, examining FW and packaging use reveals conflicts between environmental objectives and industry practices in hospitality.

This case study investigates FW production at a noodle restaurant in northern British Columbia, with a particular focus on how consumer behaviour, especially the use of doggy bags, affects FW. The primary objective is to classify and quantify solid and liquid FW types. The second objective involves developing a statistical model to analyze factors contributing to FW, with a focus on the impact of a doggy bag fee. Finally, the study evaluates the environmental consequences of FW, providing insights to balance FW management with environmental impact mitigation in food service settings.

The study examined solid and liquid FW in a ramen restaurant, focusing on post-consumer FW and drivers, including the influence of additional costs for taking leftovers home. FW data were collected over six months (September 2022 - March 2023) using direct weight and composition analysis to classify FW into solid and liquid forms. A regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) model assessed the effect of additional charges on FW, considering explanatory variables such as daily sales, meal size, and weather. Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were estimated based on FW data and the model’s findings.

The daily average FW was 2.21 kg, with solid FW averaging 0.65 kg and liquid FW 1.56 kg, revealing a significant correlation between them. RDiT analysis showed that the 10-cent surcharge of doggy bags significantly impacted liquid FW immediately, with limited and short-term effects on solid FW. A slight sustained effect on solid FW was observed, but it remained minimal overall. Daily sales were significantly associated with both types of FW, while smaller meal portions did not exhibit the expected inverse relationship. The doggy bag surcharge was insufficient to offset environmental costs in CO2e scenarios, suggesting that elevated fees for take-out containers are necessary.

Despite its limitations, this study provides novel insights into FW categorization and suggests that single-use plastic regulations and sales influence FW, although not for smaller meals. The findings emphasize the need for increased fees to address environmental costs effectively. Future research should explore more comprehensive strategies to reduce FW and its environmental impacts. 

Defence Committee: 
Chair: Dr. Michel Bouchard, University of Northern British Columbia 
Supervisor: Dr. Balbinder Deo, University of Northern British Columbia 
Committee Member: Dr. Liam Kelly, University of Northern British Columbia 
Committee Member: Dr. David Connell, University of Northern British Columbia 
External Examiner: Dr. Sarjinder Singh, Texas A & M University - Kingsville