Full cost accounting for a Tribe is an approach where all direct and indirect costs associated with a program are captured for decision making, including costs often overlooked such as cultural preservation and the costs of not doing something, or choosing an alternative. In our case, we explored the full costs associated with a solid waste management program for the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians. We will cover what full cost accounting is, how we conducted it and how it can be applied to decision making. Real world barriers and mitigations will also be discussed. Participants will gain a new understanding of the broader costs and potential consequences of the waste management strategies they adopt. This session is geared towards Tribal leaders, directors and managers of environmental and related departments. Attendees will receive a basic guide for conducting full cost accounting.
