Abstract
M.A. (Environmental Management)
The generation of household food waste leads to loss of valuable material resources during the
production, processing, and distribution of food. Disposal of food waste into landfill sites can produce
offensive odours and can attract pests that may result in human health hazards in affected areas. This
dissertation examines the factors influencing the generation, management, and minimisation of food
waste in selected neighbourhoods (households) in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
(CTMM) through various research objectives. Household surveys were conducted in the Montana
suburb and Mamelodi township within the CTMM in South Africa by means of questionnaires which
were comprised of several sections. A total of 200 respondents (i.e. 102 from Montana suburb and 98
from Mamelodi township) took part in the survey. Results indicate that various food items such as
vegetables, fruits, mealie meals, rice and others in the study areas are being wasted at household level.
In terms of spending patterns on food groceries, whereas most respondents in Mamelodi reported
spending comparatively less money on food, most Montana respondents spend relatively more.
Frequent food purchases tend to be greater in Mamelodi than in Montana. Regarding food preferences
per residential area, although home cooked food was more preffered in both study areas, ready-made
food and frozen food items seemed more preferrable amongst most Montana respondents. However, in
the two study areas, freezing food as a method of preserving it was mentioned by more respondents.
The results also revealed various attitudes towards food waste amongst respondents. Compared to other
options, to a large extent, food waste is disposed mainly by throwing it away rather than reusing or
recycling it. Respondents mentioned and identified various options or strategies for minimizing food
waste such as buying only food that is needed as well as less perishable food. Lastly, the study made a
number of recommendations for increased food waste minimisation and further studies.