Kayleigh Peters
Partners in Pollution Prevention, a program of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, aims to reduce pollution and waste at its source. WasteCap Nebraska has partnered with the program since 1997 to place student interns in industrial facilities or small businesses so they can identify, evaluate, and implement pollution prevention projects.
P3 intern Kayleigh Peters conducted three waste assessments, two for healthcare facilities located in Fairbury and Superior NE,
and one for a motel located in Beatrice. Assistance was aimed at targeting and minimizing
waste at the source as well as developing recycling strategies for different areas and processes.
The recommendations made to these facilities included suggestions to reduce solid waste such as making double sided-copies, using reusable dishware, and recycling kitchen grease. Other suggestions focused on energy efficiency.
These included improved management of thermostats, use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), “Turn Off” reminders at light switches, occupancy sensors for guest rooms, and installation of
LED exit lights. There were several opportunities for multi-media reductions such as installing a pool cover to reduce evaporation and the need for pool heating and purchase of Energy Star ice makers and air conditioners to increase efficiency and save electricity.
Kayleigh also reassessed a previous intern’s project for College Park Communities–The View to evaluate the progress made towards implementing the pollution prevention recommendations offered and the impact of the suggestions on the facility.
Pollution Prevention Benefits and Results
The benefits and savings associated with implementing the pollution prevention suggestions
made to the various facilities are outlined in the table below. Due to concerns regarding confidentiality, the facilities are identified as Facility A, B, and C.
| Facility | Annual Cost Savings | Annual Energy Reduction | Annual Solid Waste Diversion | Annual Water Conservation |
| A | $8,926 | 53,589 kWh | 3,125 lb | 20,000 gal |
| B | $7,941 | 43,791 kWh | 17,100 lb | |
| C | $4,209 | 21,838 kWh | 56,420 gal | |
| Annual Total | $21,076 | 119,218 kWh | 20,225 lb | 76,420 gal |