Research Interests

Research keywords: 

• sustainable waste management systems 

• landfill design and operation

• reuse of waste material

• recycling and waste minimization

• waste management regionalization

• data driven waste policy

• evidence-based standards and guidelines

• radioactive waste storage and disposal 

• post consumer clothing and textile waste management

• waste model optimization

• waste management system efficiency 

• illegal dumping and littering

Research interests: 

My research has been focusing on sound waste disposal practices in the past 20 years. My earlier works were mostly on the design and operation of waste disposal sites. Recently, my focuses have gradually shifted to the design and development of a sustainable waste management system (WMS) and data driven waste policy. 

Within the broad area of sustainable solid waste treatment, my latest research projects specifically address to the following key topics:

• Development of sustainable waste management systems (WMS)

  • • Use of novel environmental metrics and indices

    • Waste generation characteristics and recycling practices in Northern and remote communities

    • Diversion programs and policy on non-residential wastes

    • Waste economy and policy

    • Illegal dumping behaviors and IDS identifications

    • Waste management system regionalization

• Waste generation, collection, and transfer

  • • Generation models using machine learning techniques

    • Solar-powered smart bins

    • Dual-stage optimization on waste collection

    • GIS based vehicle routing problem

    • Cigarette butts littering and indoor smoking policy

• Waste containment system design and operation

  • • Waste site selection using satellite imagery and remote sensing data

    • Design standards and guidelines

    • The role of daily/intermediate covers on the geo-environmental performance of sanitary landfill

    • Pseudo-FOD landfill gas modeling and assessment of emission impacts

    • Leachate migration and groundwater quality at unlined landfills

• Other waste studies:

  • • Beneficial reuse of waste materials in civil and environmental applications

    • The use of UAVs and drones in waste studies

    • LLW from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

    • Environmental geotechnics and waste mechanics

    • Clothing and textile waste recycling and management

Student researchers wanted:

Individuals interested in pursuing graduate studies (or as undergraduate assistants) in the above areas are encouraged to contact me (kelvin.ng@uregina.ca). I specifically encourage underrepresented groups in STEM field  to join my research group, including but not limited to visible minorities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Black people, Indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.

Last updated: Oct, 2024.