Causes, barriers, and prevention strategies for household food waste in Switzerland
Liechti C, Mack G, O'Sullivan K, Stöckli S, Tiefenbeck V, Ammann J (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 30
Article Number: 103204
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.103204
Abstract
Despite increasing attention to household food waste, limited national-level research has examined consumer perceptions of its causes, barriers, and prevention strategies, which are essential for informing effective interventions. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to identify the main causes of food waste for different types of food and beverages, (2) to investigate barriers to waste reduction, and (3) to explore potential prevention strategies and who should take responsibility for taking action. We collected data on the amount of food waste using a diary-based web application, while barriers and prevention strategies were gathered through an online survey. We used a random stratified sample of 515 households in three linguistic regions of Switzerland. The main causes of food waste were edible peel waste (34%) and spoilage (24%), with causes varying across food categories. The main barriers identified were the belief that composting food items does not classify them as food waste (19%), and the belief that food waste is not costly (13%). Of the 72 strategies for reducing food waste identified, most focused on mindful cooking, eating, and food shopping behaviour, and better food storage management. The findings suggest that household food waste is largely driven by avoidable behaviours, particularly edible peel disposal, low perceived financial impact, and the misconception that composting sufficiently offsets waste. This highlights the need for consumer awareness and behaviour-change strategies promoting better food utilization. The recognition of shared responsibility among consumers, supermarkets, and the federal government further emphasizes the importance of coordinated interventions, retail reforms, and supportive public policies.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Agroscope
Switzerland (CH)
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) / Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich
Switzerland (CH)
Berner Fachhochschule (BFH)
Switzerland (CH)
Switzerland (CH)
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) / Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich
Switzerland (CH)
Berner Fachhochschule (BFH)
Switzerland (CH)
How to cite
APA:
Liechti, C., Mack, G., O'Sullivan, K., Stöckli, S., Tiefenbeck, V., & Ammann, J. (2026). Causes, barriers, and prevention strategies for household food waste in Switzerland. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2026.103204
MLA:
Liechti, Carole, et al. "Causes, barriers, and prevention strategies for household food waste in Switzerland." Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 30 (2026).
BibTeX: Download