TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The city of Topeka is teaming up with Kansas State University students to make a vehicle powered by compressed natural gas, an alternative fuel created from the methane extracted from human waste.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/10uoQuY ) mechanical engineering students will convert a city vehicle to compressed natural gas in a bid to find a use for methane gas from a Topeka wastewater treatment plant.

Don Rankin, public works utilities infrastructure division director, says the plant wastes the methane equivalent of about 440,000 gallons of gasoline.

Topeka expects to spend no more than $10,000 to supply the vehicle and buy parts for the conversion.

Rankin says the results and cost benefit analysis could go a long way in helping the department determine the best use for the wasted fuel.