Two essays on convergence of recycling rates in England and the valuation of landfill disamenities in Birmingham

摘要: This thesis is divided into two studies which investigate separate topics relating to waste management. The objective of the first study test presence convergence in recycling rates across local authorities England over last decade, 1998-2008. Understanding distribution performance municipalities and its dynamic nature important for current policy evaluation future decisions. Using various concepts convergence, a comprehensive analysis provided. Spatial effects are taken account process since mechanisms such as spillovers technology or ideas, have geographical dimension. results indicate whole period sense that poor-performing potential increase activities at faster rate than initially better-performing authorities. However, with more aggressive economic instruments use after 2005, there seem be clubs implies within groups but divergence between groups. The second public concern landfill externalities by examining how real perceived damage from disposal affects residential property market. data on sales sites City Birmingham 1997, highlights long-term impacts endure even site closure external inactive well active sites. Furthermore, this deals case where properties simultaneously located near multiple issue should not neglected densely populated area like Birmingham. hedonic price regressions reveal strong evidence reducing prices. approach here also provides estimates disamenity living whilst exploring issues wind direction, nonlinearity distance differential landfills accepting different types possessing age profiles. suggest distinctively features historical sites, particularly their limits.