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PurposeThis paper aims to stimulate the pursuit of waste-free food consumption and develop guidelines to avoid irresponsible consumer behaviours. In doing so, the paper answers the questions: How much food is thrown away by Australian households? What are the causes of food wasted? And, how motivated are Australian household members to reduce food waste?Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was completed by a demographically representative sample of 5,272 households in Australia to address these questions. Using the state-wise data set and a structural equation modelling technique, this paper analyses behavioural and socio-demographic factors that influence household food waste in Australia.FindingsThe study identified that inedible food waste was the most common waste that people threw away (69%). The second-largest contribution towards waste came from meal leftovers (44%). The study identified household members not finishing their meal and cooking too much food as the leading causes of food waste from meal leftovers. Furthermore, household food members were unable to identify whether the food was safe to eat, uncertain whether they would eat prepared food that was saved for later consumption and remained confused about when to discard food. Finally, 42% indicated a high level of motivation to reduce food waste, while 34% indicated a moderated level.Originality/valueThis study's findings contribute to the practical challenges associated with the measurement of food waste in households. Further, the study provides insights to policymakers and practitioners to develop customised interventions to reduce household food waste.

The intensity of household food waste is of concern throughout the world, especially, in developed countries like Australia where it accounts for 34% of all food wasted along the value chain. Due to these concerns, there has been an emergence of research over the last decade to support policy interventions. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by examining the influence of consumer shopping habits and motivational factors on the intensity of food wasted by Australian households. Based on data from an online survey of 5272 Australian households, results of this study reveal that most of the shopping habits examined (except buying food based on what is on special) have significant impacts on the intensity of food wasted. Furthermore, based on two‐step cluster analysis, it was found that consumers from different backgrounds possess similar types of shopping habits, however, they are different in terms of their levels of motivations aiming to reduce food being wasted. The insights provide guidance for practitioners and policymakers regarding what actions to be taken to reduce food waste in Australian households.

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