A Pilot Food Waste Audit in Aged Care Using Method InSight Technology

Abstract

This study aims to pilot the use of Method Insight technology, in the form of bins and smart scales, to carry out a non-manual food waste audit in an aged care facility in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. There is very little literature on food waste in the aged care sector, and existing research uses manual food waste audits. In comparison to the present study, manual food waste audits are known to be time consuming and require in-depth knowledge of measurement protocols. This study provides information on the quantities and sources of food waste, reasons for disposal, and staff perceptions of the technology used and the process followed for the food waste audit. The research hopes to inform on the implications and design of future research on food waste in the aged care facility in Aotearoa.

Supervised by: Margaret Thorsen and Sheila Skeaff, Food Waste Innovation