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PATIENCE ADJO DARKO-BUDU

University of Regina, MS Environmental Systems Engineering

EREF Scholar 2025

Analyzing Affordability Variation of Landfill Tipping Fees Across the United States through Three Novel Indicators

My project focuses on understanding how landfill tipping fees vary across the United State and how affordable these fees are for communities. Landfill fees are a key tool in waste management because they influence whether individuals, businesses, and local governments choose to recycle, compost, or simply send waste to landfills. However, the impact of these fees depends on how affordable they are relative to local economic conditions. To address this, I am using three novel indicators that provide a clearer picture of landfill fee affordability, considering factors like household income and regional waste generation. By analyzing these indicators across different states and regions, my research identifies areas where fees may be too high, potentially burdening communities, or too low, possibly discouraging sustainable waste practices. This project matters because waste management is a critical environmental and economic issue. Understanding fee affordability helps policymakers design fair and effective strategies to reduce landfill use, increase recycling, and minimize environmental harm. Ultimately, my research can support more sustainable and equitable waste management practices, contributing to cleaner communities and a healthier environment for everyone. 

Biography

Patience obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) in 2021. Her undergraduate thesis was “Suitable Sites for Integrated Composting and Recycling Plant in the Greater Kumasi, Ghana.” Before attending the University of Regina, Patience worked as an Environmental Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines, Ghana, where she conducted environmental monitoring activities for air, water, blast and meteorology. Currently, she is studying Environmental Systems Engineering at the University of Regina, Canada. Her research interests are in solid waste management, air pollution and wastewater treatment.