Waste Cap

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.

Projects made possible through WasteCap’s collaboration are presented here.

Tyson Foods, Omaha by Chad Abernathy

Conducted a waste assessment and collected baseline data to improve the facility’s recycling program. Evaluated the purchase of a baler for recycling materials, the location for an in-house recycling center and changes in packaging to reduce the cardboard and plastic wastes.

Airlite Plastics, Omaha by Blair Debban

Increased the efficiency of the facility’s compressed air system and reduced the electric utility costs by improving the compressor operation with inlet modulation valves and eliminating unnecessary air use.

Lindsay Manufacturing and Proctor & Gamble by Chris New

Reduced solid waste and energy use at a pet food plant and at a manufacturer of center pivot irrigation systems. Served as Engineering Intern Manager for the interns working as part of the P3 collaboration with WasteCap Nebraska.

Solid Waste Reduction & Energy Efficiency at three facilities by Kayleigh Peters

Performed assessments of two regional health care facilities and a local motel, identifying significant water, energy, and cost savings.

Waste Assessments at three Nebraska businesses by Ben Stewart

Researched alternative disposal methods for an explosive waste material at Hornady Manufacturing in Grand Island, and identified solid waste reduction and recycling opportunities at Teledyne Isco, Inc. and Telesis, Inc. in Lincoln.