Food waste and pay‐as‐you‐throw systems

This study assesses the effectiveness of pay‐as‐you‐throw (PAYT) schemes in managing household food waste by comparing volume‐based and weight‐based approaches. Using a utility maximization framework and survey data from Korean households (2019–2022), we find that weight‐based PAYT more effectively reduces food waste by creating stronger incentives for adopting food preservation technologies and practices, as disposal fees depend on waste weight. The study also emphasizes the role of public awareness campaigns on food waste's environmental impacts, showing that education on sustainable practices can further enhance these systems' performance. Findings offer guidance for policymakers designing efficient food waste management programs.