Organic Waste Management In The Retail Sector

 
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2015 (EN)

Organic Waste Management In The Retail Sector

Mouchlia, Dimitra

Massive human activity is a core characteristic of the modern society (Achillas et al.., 2011). One of the issues related to such activity is the waste generated and its treatment. Especially in urban areas, anthropogenic operations led to environmental and social deterioration (Moussiopoulos et al.., 2010). In this framework, the necessity for rapid response by the decision makers is greater every year so as to confront this challenge and progress towards sustainable development (WCSD, 1987). Organic waste has been recognized as a critical issue worldwide especially due to its constant increase in volume which affects the environmental quality (Azapagic & Perdan, 2011) and also due to potential benefits that can be exploited from waste (WRAP, 2012). With regards to food waste, the retail sector is considered as the major supplier of food to households; the main contributors to waste production (WRAP, 2008, LFHW, 2010 & EPA, 2012). To that extent, retailers’ behavior is of high importance and adequate infrastructure in treatment and recycling facilities is a mandatory step to manage efficiently organic waste. In parallel, the incorporation of an integrated waste management plan in the company’s strategy is a prerequisite for the success of such effort. This study aims at identifying the factors that determine the waste volume in the retail sector from the business perspective. To this end, a survey addressing the stores’ directors was conducted and statistical models explained the correlations among the tested elements. Environmental awareness and education of the staff, strategic planning by the managers, funding and potential cost avoidance for the store are factors that can influence waste generation. Consequently these elements have an impact on social and environmental quality. This dissertation was written for the fulfillment of the degree MSc in Sustainable Development 2013-2015 at the International Hellenic University.

masterThesis

organic waste
retailers
waste management
food waste


English

2015-07-02
2015-07-02T07:36:43Z
2015-09-27T06:05:08Z


ihu
School of Economics & Business Administration, MSc in Sustainable Development




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