New technologies created to reduce hazardous waste sometimes have more promise than reliability. The state of California and UC Davis are hoping to remove some of the guesswork in making the right choice for the job. The two have just completed the first phase of a relatively new program to test and demonstrate innovative technologies developed by companies and government agencies, and are starting the second round of projects. The collaboration -- between the state Department of Toxic Substances Control and the campus Office of Environmental Health and Safety and College of Engineering -- has so far tested five projects through the Center for the Evaluation of New Environmental Technologies and is beginning to assess six more. Among the technologies involved are cleanable and reusable oil and fuel filters, a "virtual non-polluting" alternative for chromium plating, electron beams used to break down and transform hazardous substances, and "bioconverters" that use enzymes to convert hazardous materials to safe forms. "It's a successful partnership," says Julie McNeal, acting director for environmental health and safety at UC Davis. "We're able to evaluate a larger number of technologies than the state alone because we have the facilities and expertise in place."