Dr. Robert Bennett, University of Toledo professor of mechanical, industrial and manufacturing engineering, is devoting time to minding everyone's waste. He has been leading a research team on the Waste Analyses and Minimization Research Project for the past two years. The project, housed in a North Engineering Building laboratory, assists local companies in the reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste. It enables industry, local government and the University to work together in the development of a better environment. The research team is made up of Bennett, Melinda Uerling, the project's executive director, three graduate students and three undergraduate students.
Research includes on-site visits to companies to analyze types of waste generated.
The researchers apply engineering science to create more efficient systems, develop material-saving devices, identify new product applications and reduce raw material costs. In response, the research team has developed a waste exchange database that allows one company to recycle waste by using scrap materials from other companies. The project also enhances the outreach of The University of Toledo, expands research opportunities and graduates experienced students in the environmental area. They are able to contribute to the project, become more aware of environmental issues and more experienced in the industrial process. Bennett had 16 years of industrial experience before joining UT in 1985.