Team 4 Members: Nour Alabudi - Jodi Jarrar - Mohamad Mahmoud - Mohammad Fouad Farooq

ENGL 210-502
Dr. Naqaa Abbas
Technical report - First Draft
Due Date: 18 April 2023

Food waste in Qatar’s restaurants:

From Waste to Worth

I. Abstract:

This technical report investigates the issue of food waste at restaurants in Qatar, where a significant
amount of food waste is generated daily. The proposed solutions to this issue include a mobile
application (Karma Food), composters, and bio digesters. This report evaluates these solutions and
identifies the mobile application and biodigesters as the most effective combined solution to address
food waste. The Karma Food app helps restaurants manage their food inventory and reduce food
waste by connecting restaurants with consumers to purchase surplus food, while biodigesters
efficiently convert food waste into biogas and fertilizer. This combined solution provides an effective
approach to reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment and restaurant
industry in Qatar. Primary and secondary research methods were utilized to gather information, and
criteria were applied to analyze the results and develop the proposed solutions. This report highlights
the importance of implementing sustainable solutions to address the issue of food waste in Qatar.

II. Introduction:
Food waste is a major problem worldwide, with around one-third of the world's food going to waste,
resulting in an estimated cost of $1 trillion. In Qatar, food waste is a critical issue, particularly in the
restaurant industry, where a significant amount of food is thrown away daily. Qatar, being a country
with a high GDP, has seen significant growth in its restaurant industry, making it a major contributor to
the country's economy, but this growth has also led to an increase in food waste, resulting in adverse
environmental, social, and economic impacts.

According to a recent United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) project in Doha, food waste in
Qatar ranges between 0.7 kg and 1.5 kg per person per day. The discarded food generates
greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to climate change, and affects vulnerable populations who
are food insecure and could benefit from the excess food. Moreover, food waste raises the price of
food by increasing demand for it, negatively impacting society, and increasing waste management
costs for restaurants. As a result, reducing food waste is included in the country's Second National
Development Strategy (2018-2022), which targets waste reduction and prevention. The Middle East's
worst food waste rate is found in Qatar, where the average Qatari citizen wastes up to 250 kilograms
of food annually. Qatar National Vision 2030 identifies the need for sustainable development to
balance the interests of the current generation with the interests of future generations and
emphasizes the need for preventive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Food
Waste Index Report 2021, compiled by UNEP and WRAP, reveals that in 2019, 931 million tonnes of
food, equivalent to 17% of the total food available for consumption, were wasted by households,
retailers, restaurants, and other food services. The report highlights the need for global efforts to cut
food waste in half by 2030 (UNEP, 2021; ECOMENA, 2014).

This report examines the issue of food waste in restaurants in Qatar and proposes sustainable
solutions, including composters, biodigesters, and a mobile application to reduce the amount of food
waste generated in the industry. Addressing food waste in Qatar's restaurant industry is crucial for
promoting sustainable development and ensuring a better future for all.

III. Methodology:
This study involved a multi-step approach. To begin, secondary research was conducted to gather
information on the topic. This step was crucial in building the foundation for the study, as it allowed
the research team to thoroughly analyze existing research and findings related to the problem. The
team used online databases to search for academic journals, reports, and news articles, ensuring that
the information gathered was credible and reliable.

The second step involved identifying possible solutions to the problem. The team generated a list of
potential approaches, assessed their viability, and weighed their potential advantages and
disadvantages. Factors such as suitability to Qatar’s conditions were considered during this process.

The third step was to establish clear and impartial criteria for choosing the best solution. The team
defined several criteria, including the reduction of food waste, impact on greenhouse gas emissions,
and cost. Each potential solution was evaluated based on these criteria, and the most suitable
approach was chosen. Overall, the methodology used in this study ensured that the research team
conducted a comprehensive analysis of the issue of food waste at restaurants in Qatar, identified
possible solutions, and chose the most effective and feasible approach.

Decision matrix:
Once we established the criteria for evaluating potential solutions for reducing food waste in Qatar's
restaurant industry, we used a decision matrix to compare the identified solutions. The decision matrix
allowed us to evaluate the effectiveness of each solution based on the established criteria and
assigned weights to each criterion. The ratings for each solution were based on the information
collected during the secondary research phase. By using this approach, we were able to assess the

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potential solutions and determine which one would be the most suitable for Qatar’s context and the
established criteria objectively and comprehensively.

The decision matrix we developed is shown in Figure 1.

Cost Environmental Ease of Overall

Solution effectiveness Efficiency Impact Implementation Score

Composter 13

Biodigester 16

Mobile
Application 18

FIgure 1: Decision Matrix used to evaluate optimal solution

In this matrix, each potential solution is evaluated based on four criteria: Cost effectiveness,
Efficiency, Environmental impact, and Ease of implementation. The overall score is a
weighted average of the individual criteria scores, with the weights assigned based on the
relative importance of each criterion according to the analysis done based on the research. By
comparing the overall scores of each option, a decision can be made about which solution is the
best fit for the given problem or situation.

By evaluating potential solutions for restaurant food waste in Qatar based on these criteria,we
found that the mobile application and biodigesters could be combined to have one effective
solution that can minimize the food waste in restaurants.

IV. Results
Intending to determine the optimal solution, our team conducted extensive research on multiple
solutions to the alarming problem of food waste in restaurants in Qatar. The three solutions we
examined include the use of composters, biodigesters, and the development of a phone app.

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1. Composters

A composter is a device that can decompose scraps of food waste using an aerobic process (in the
presence of oxygen). There are microorganisms present in its bin that break down the organic matter
of food and convert it to nutrient-rich compost (Okelo, 2020). Composters are available on the market
in different shapes and sizes depending on the need and amount of food waste each restaurant
generates. This device can have an intake of 3 kilograms of food waste per day after which the
compost can be harvested within the next 15 days (Wa’hab Home Composters, 2020). A composter
can be purchased for $400-$500. This makes it cost-effective as it is a one-time purchase and
provides long-term returns in terms of reduction of food disposal and transportation costs. The
composter reduces food waste hence reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, one of its
byproducts is carbon dioxide which makes it non-eco-friendly (Okelo, 2020). Therefore, restaurants in
Qatar owning composters is a viable and affordable solution but some of its negative environmental
impacts can be too severe to be overlooked.

2. Biodigesters

Biodigester is another device capable of breaking down food waste and converting it to gas that can
be used for cooking as well as nutritious liquid fertilizer. After the food is thrown into the system,
bacteria decompose the waste through anaerobic digestion (without oxygen) and biogas is produced
which can be returned to cooking units in the restaurant. The biodigester can take up to 11.36
kilograms of organic food waste at once; 5.68 kilograms of food needs to be fed to the device in order
to produce enough gas for 2 hours of cooking daily. This product works best in a warm climate with
day/night temperatures between 20 and 30˚ C making it ideal for restaurants in hotter countries like
Qatar. The biodigester is available on the market at a price of $720. Additional costs include a yearly
filter kit and probiotic tablets for $39. Therefore, this solution is affordable and leads to profit in the
long term as it saves packaging and disposal costs. Moreover, biodigesters have a positive impact on
the environment as the biogas it produces is non-polluting (Ozkurt, 2021).

Figure 2: Process of anaerobic digestion in biodigester

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3. Mobile Application

Developing a mobile application is another potential solution to bridge the gap between restaurants
and customers which can help reduce food waste. The mechanism of this app is to inform customers
about various restaurants and cafes that are selling their favorite foods at discounted prices of
15-60% off. This is done to help restaurants prevent wasting any excess of prepared foods. It
provides an incentive for buyers who want lower food prices and also generates extra revenue for the
restaurant chains (Time Out Editors, 2020). This initiative was implemented in the UAE a few years
ago through an app called ‘Food Karma’. Since then, this solution has rescued 2151 kg of food and
avoided 4086 kg of carbon emissions which is equivalent to removing 324 cars off the road per day
(Food Karma, 2018). This solution is relatively cost-effective as the only main expenses involved are
in the development and maintenance of the app. It has no adverse impacts on the environment and
can allow restaurants in Qatar to reduce their carbon footprint.

VI. Analysis and Comparison of Composters and Biodigesters

We decided to use the mobile application as one part of the final solution since it primarily caters to
the customers who can have a part in reducing the food waste. In addition to that, we decided to
compare composters and biodigesters to find out which of the two would be combined with the mobile
application to find the most effective solution.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

By looking at the results above, the cost-effectiveness of composters and biodigesters was studied.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, composters have an advantage as they can be purchased for a
relatively low price range of $400-$500 (Okelo, 2020). Since it is a one-time purchase, it provides
long-term returns by reducing the costs associated with food disposal and transportation. On the
other hand, biodigesters are available on the market at a higher price of $720. In addition to the initial
cost, yearly filter kits and probiotic tablets for $39 also add to the overall cost. Despite this,
biodigesters remain an affordable option, which can lead to profitability in the long term by saving
costs associated with packaging and disposal of food waste in restaurants (Ozkurt, 2021). In addition
to that, biogas (made by biodigesters) can be used as a counterpart to fossil fuels because it is
cheaper and easier to produce - which increases its cost-effectiveness as a solution, compared to
composters (Okelo, 2020).

2. Reduction of Harmful Emissions

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Unlike biodigesters, composters produce carbon emissions which are very harmful to the
environment (Okelo, 2020). In addition to that, composters produce an unpleasant aroma (which can
attract rats) because of the aerobic respiration the process undergoes. On the other hand,
biodigesters produce natural gas and biogas, which can be used in cooking, and are environmentally
friendly - in comparison to composters (Ozkurt, 2021). Thus, biodigesters, in this case, are the better
solution that results in the reduction of harmful emissions, unlike composters that produce them.

3. Efficiency

Based on the data in the results, the composter can have an intake of 3 kilograms of food waste daily,
which can be harvested within 15 days. Composters operate faster than biodigesters and take less
time to complete the decomposition of food waste (Wa’hab Home Composters, 2020). On the other
hand, the biodigester intake 11.36 kilograms of organic waste daily - where 5.68 kilograms of food
needs to be fed to the device to produce enough gas for 2 hours of cooking daily. Also, the
biodigesters need 100 liters of animal manure or a bacteria starter kit to be activated - where gasses
need 1-3 weeks to be formed (Ozkurt, 2021). Therefore, composters are more time-efficient (15 days)
instead of biodigesters, as a solution.

VI. Recommended Solution

Thus, as discussed in Part V, the solution we decided to use to solve the problem of food waste, and
the solution that aligned with the criteria specified were found. A combination of mobile applications
and biodigesters (which passed 2 of 3 criteria) would be the recommended solution. The mobile
application would help customers reduce food waste by providing them with an easy solution to take
action towards this cause. In addition to that, we would have biodigesters, which would help the
restaurants manage and reduce food waste and its negative impacts.

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VII. References
Okelo, A. (2020, January 13). Bio-digester vs Composter - Hubpages. Bio-Digester vs Composter.
Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://discover.hubpages.com/living/Bio-Digester-vs-Composter

Ozkurt, T. (2021). Home biodigesters- turning food waste into green energy. Mossy Earth. Retrieved
April 18, 2023, from https://www.mossy.earth/guides/energy/home-biodigester

Editors, T. O. (2020, March 29). New Food Delivery App Food karma launches in

Dubai. New food delivery app Food Karma launches in Dubai. Retrieved April 18, 2023,
from
https://www.timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/food-news/437803-new-food-delivery-app-foo
dkarma-launches-in-dubai

Wahab. (2020). Home composting bins in Qatar. wahab. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from

https://www.wahab.qa/home-composters

Karma, F. (2018). Save Food, save money, save the planet. Foodkarma. Retrieved April 18, 2023,

from https://foodkarma.ae/