An Approach to Total Management
of Potato Processing Wastes
MELVIN D. ALSAGER, Environmental Control Coordinator
J. R. Simplot Co.
Boise, Idaho
HISTORY
During the past twenty-five years the surge in demand for processed and prepared
vegetables and fruits has been phenomenal. One of the new comers and one of the leaders in
volume processed, over 13 billion pounds in 1971, is white potatoes. Potato chips were the
first major shift away from the use of fresh potatoes. During World War II, the requirement
of dryed potatoes by our armed forces brought about the development of the dehydrated
potato industry in Idaho by Jack Simplot, the President and founder of the J. R. Simplot
Company.
Following the War, and in more particular during the past 15 years, the processed
potato market, compared to fresh use, has expanded from 15.4 percent ofthe nation-wide
demand to over 50 percent (Table I).
The convenience of processed white potatoes, particularly for institutional use, has
been much of the reason for the meteoric climb in popularity. The dramatic increase during
the last decade in the number of drive-in eating establishments has pushed the frozen french
fry and specialty products past chips in volume processed. During the 10 year period from
I960 to 1970, the use of processed frozen potatoes jumped from 6.1 percent to 23.4 percent
ofthe total amount of white potatoes utilized as food in the U.S. (Table II).
The J. R. Simplot Co. has been a pioneer and a leader in the industry since its beginning
and now operates two large potato processing complexes in Idaho; one at Burley-Heyburn,
and the other at Caldwell. These two complexes are strategically located in the heart ofthe
potato growing area of Idaho, the irrigated plain along the Snake River. Although the
Company's major emphasis is in the potato business, it has many diversified interests in
agriculture, minerals, and chemicals.
The Company's Food Division, headquarted in Caldwell, operates the processed
potato operations mentioned. At Burley-Heyburn, some 32 specialty products are
produced including dehydrated granules, frozen french fries, hash browns, and starch.
Along with the, utilization of millions of pounds of raw potatoes each day, is the generation
of a tremendous waste load and a potential impact upon the environment.
This paper will describe briefly the total waste management concept developed at the
Company's Burley-Heyburn operations.
INTRODUCTION
This potato processing complex consists of two separate plants located near the cities
of Burley and Heyburn, about 3 miles apart, and on opposite banks ofthe famed Snake
River and the home of the great Idaho Russet Burbank Potato.
Although the plants are separated, all phases of raw product procurement, plant
operation and environmental control are closely integrated into essentially one combined
operation. The older plant at Burley was formerly a potato flour mill when purchased by the
Company in the early 1940's. In 1950 it was converted into a plant that produces dehydrated
potato products such as granules and flakes. The newer plant at Heyburn was placed into
operation in 1960, and is the largest of its kind in the world, and produces both frozen french
fries and dehydrated products. A starch producing facility also operates within this plant.
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