The UW System is offering up to eight $5,800 solid waste research grants sponsored by the Solid Waste Research Council to graduate and undergraduate students. The deadline is set for Wednesday, Oct. 14, but students should have their forms turned in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by Friday, Oct. 2.

The projects are judged by the businesses that are part of the Solid Waste Research Council. These businesses, along with the Wisconsin Legislature, provide the funding for these grants. According to the UW System’s Solid Waste Council Web page, the Wisconsin Legislature started the group in 1990. The council tries to reduce the amount of solid waste and find alternatives to solid waste disposal.

“This is a good opportunity for students who like to do research and work with the faculty,” Kathy Lomax, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs, said. Lomax said that there were three projects going last year. They have included topics as unique as how to dispose of prescription drugs.

To qualify for these grants, students have to conduct a project about what to do with solid waste. Students can work in groups of two and must be at least a junior in standing. They must also complete the grant application, which can be found on the UW System Web site, and the UW-Platteville transmittal form, which can be found at the Office of Sponsored Programs. Both forms must be signed by the student or students, adviser of the project, dean of the college that the student’s major is in, the provost and Lomax.

“If the businesses think that these projects are helpful, it could help us out in the future,” Sara Shaffer, sophomore biology major, said.

The grants are available to campus juniors and seniors who meet the criteria regardless of their majors.

For more information contact Eileen Norby at enorby@uwsa.edu.