INL (Idaho National Laboratory), one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories and a significant employer of Idaho Falls area residents, received the Idaho Innovation Award this year. Inventors Tedd Lister and Luis Diaz Aldana were specifically honored for their contributions to efficient recycling.
The annual Idaho Innovation Awards exist to recognize innovations and innovation companies throughout the state of Idaho. The event has been hosted by Stoel Rives LLP, a U.S. business law firm, for the past 10 years.
INL’s contribution was based in the way of recycling technology. Electronic waste is now closer than ever to having an environmentally friendly and safe way of recycling due to the technology developed at INL. This technology uses and electrochemical cell to reclaim valuable metals and elements from discarded electronic equipment. By employing this method, it leads to more complete recycling of materials along with minimizing waste generation.
INL performs work for the Department of Energy. Their work contributes to the strategy of energy, national security, environment and science. INL is currently the nation’s leading laboratory for nuclear energy research and development. More information regarding INL news can be found at www.inl.gov.