Turning waste into fuel

Southeast Missouri State University is looking for ways to be more energy efficient. Over several years, the facilities management department has installed low-flow toilets and faucets to save water, higher-efficiency light fixtures and detectors that turn lights on and off when rooms are occupied or empty.

Now the university is turning waste into usable products. Used cooking oil and motor oil, which require costly disposal, are being converted into fuel. Auxiliary heating for the maintenance garage and some lawn mowers will be running on the waste-to-fuel products.

As university employees and students learn more about waste products that can be reused for fuel, other areas are likely to benefit from useful products while providing some safeguards for the environment.