---
title: Log waste
description: Record wasted or spoiled stock with a reason so variances are explained, and keep an eye on items about to expire.
order: 9
updated: 2026-09-16
keywords: waste, shrinkage, expiry, reason, variance
---

Waste that is logged explains a variance. Waste that is not logged looks like a loss.

**Before you start:** stock write access for the outlet.

## Log waste

1. Open **Stock › Waste** (the old **Shrinkage** link goes to the same place).
2. Click **Log waste**. Choose the item, the quantity and the unit.
3. Pick the reason: spoiled, expired, prep waste, dropped, over-production, or another controlled reason.
4. Submit. The balance reduces and the entry appears in the waste table with your name.

You can also log waste from an item's detail page under **Stock › Items › Log waste**.

## Review waste for a period

The waste table has period chips (today, this week, this month) and a reason filter. Use it before a stocktake to see what has already been explained.

## Watch expiry

**Stock › Expiry** lists items expiring in 2, 7 and 14 days with _Expired_, _Today_ and _Soon_ badges, based on the expiry dates recorded at receiving. Use it to plan prep and promotions before stock is wasted.

## Related

- [Run a stocktake](/docs/how-to/run-a-stocktake)
- [Receive a delivery](/docs/how-to/receive-a-delivery)