Making it compulsory to separate the remains of grocery items – and fining those who don’t – would help reduce food waste, according to a new report.

The report was drawn up by a working group composed of representatives from local councils and from the hospitality, catering, supermarket and waste management sectors.

The group was appointed by the government last year to recommend food waste reduction measures after it was reported that 22 per cent of groceries end up in the bin.

Food remains made up the biggest waste fraction by weight and percentage in 2012, amounting to 52 per cent.

Chaired by Lisa Cassar Shaw, the working group concluded that the main sources of food waste were households, food retailers and catering establishments.

The report says an extensive educational campaign on waste reduction needs to target households.

Among the group’s suggestions is a system to separate the collection of household food waste, encouraging people to separate wet biodegradable remains, like fruit stones and vegetables, from the rest.

Participation would be mandatory and households which are not in conformity with the waste management system should be fined.

Households should be made aware of the real cost of the waste management services provided by local councils.

There should also be a campaign tailored towards food retailers and catering establishments.

The cost of disposing of mixed waste could be raised in comparison to segregated food waste.

Restaurants could also introduce the idea of half portions and promote a more limited choice of menu.

Meanwhile, the price of smaller portions would be revised or the customer would pay the full price and donate the rest to charity.

Serving bread and side dishes was not always required, while patrons could be encouraged to take home their leftovers.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Ministry, which yesterday launched the report, said the government would evaluate all recommendations on their own merit and they would be “implemented as may be deemed fit or practical”. No new fiscal measures were being contemplated, she added.

Main causes of food waste in households

• Lack of shopping lists

• Buying in bulk, especially vegetables

• Marketing campaigns and special offers

• Not consuming food according to what will expire first

• Recommended fridge and freezer temperatures are ignored

• Large portion sizes

Causes of food waste by retailers and catering establishments

• Substantial difference between cost of food and charged price makes customers expect larger portions

• Too many purchased ingredients to cater for the various dishes

• Lack of fresh ingredients because of bulk buying for cost reduction

• Low cost of mixed waste disposal does not serve as an incentive to separate waste