The Waste Advanced Solution Technologies and Ecosystems (WASTE) Lab, at Northern Illinois University is dedicated to researching innovative waste conversion technologies and sustainable waste management ecosystems. Our researchers investigate methods for transforming various waste streams, from municipal solid waste (MSW) to agricultural residues, into value-added products. Specific areas of focus include: - Developing advanced thermal, chemical, and biological conversion processes to turn wastes into fuels, chemicals, bioplastics, bio-composites and other products - Designing integrated waste-to-energy and waste-to-fuel systems - Optimizing waste logistics, collection, and sorting to enable efficient waste valorization, including assessing pipeline transport of biomass - Assessing environmental impacts and life cycle sustainability - Evaluating techno-economic feasibility and business models - Building partnerships across industry, government, and communities to develop scalable solutions We recently received a $650,000 grant from the USDA to specifically explore the potential for developing dedicated biomass pipeline networks, which could enable more efficient and economical feedstock logistics at scale. Our multidisciplinary team has expertise in chemical engineering, bioprocessing, materials science, life cycle analysis, and more. We collaborate with stakeholders across the waste value chain to pursue our mission of developing innovative waste valorization technologies and systems that protect the environment and create economic opportunity.

Northern Illinois University

Still Hall 103B

Dekalb, IL 60115

USA