This study focuses on the factors affecting household food waste (FW) in Albania. The global scale of the issue is 1.3 billion tons of food lost or wasted annually. The reduction of FL and waste is incorporated into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing its significance in ending poverty and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.Economically, FW contributes to environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions, inefficient water and land use, soil erosion, deforestation , and pollution. FW contributes to environmental impacts, encompassing emissions throughout the food supply chain. The further along the supply chain a product is wasted, the greater its environmental impact, as emissions from upstream steps are compounded in the overall waste material impact. Private households, particularly in medium- and high-income countries like Albania, are identified as the largest contributors to FW. The SSE region, including Albania, is underserved in terms of addressing FW issues.Aiming to contribute to the understanding of this issue, is analyzed determinants, extent, and implications of household FW in Albania. This study employed an online questionnaire to investigate household food waste (FW) in Albania and explored various determinants influencing FW, revealing insights into gender, age, education, employment status, marital status, and household size.
In conclusion, the study’s detailed analysis provides a nuanced understanding of FW patterns, determinants, and awareness levels in Albanian households, offering valuable insights for developing effective strategies to tackle this issue.