AU2005211634A1

AU2005211634A1 - Improved waste collection management

Info

Publication number: AU2005211634A1
Application number: AU2005211634A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Anderson
Original assignee: Adilam Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ADILAM TECHNOLOGIES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-21
Filing date: 2005-09-21
Publication date: 2007-04-05

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act SCOMPLETE SPECIFICATION

S(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Adilam Technologies Pty Ltd Actual Inventor(s): Mark Anderson Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA ""doaY-F"a B~~ Invention Title: IMPROVED WASTE COLLECTION MANAGEMENT Our Ref: 755049 POF Code: 474565/474565 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 600ooeq 2 IMPROVED WASTE COLLECTION MANAGEMENT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the tracking of waste containers. More particularly, it relates to the tracking of waste containers to assist the management of waste collection services.

Background to the Invention Most local area councils outsource waste collection services to private operators. Waste is collected from a plurality of individual waste containers positioned at spaced apart locations along a collection route in accordance with a pre-established schedule. The waste is transferred from the individual waste containers into a mobile waste collection vehicle for transfer to a recycling plant and/or landfill.

Mobile waste collection vehicles include a lifting arm for engaging and lifting each waste container to a dumping position and a collection receptacle for receiving the contents of the waste container. The vehicles are configured to enable an operator to cause the vehicle to undertake the engaging, lifting and dumping functions remotely from within the vehicle. This enables the collection route to be serviced by a single operator who drives the mobile waste collection vehicle.

The efficiency of waste collection services and subsequent disposal and/or recycling operations is limited by issues relating to the waste containers themselves, contamination of waste and problems with the pick up location such as obstructed access and/or incorrect position and orientation of the waste container.

Some waste collection services supply identification tags for waste containers to keep track of the waste containers that have been serviced on a collection route. Others maintain a record of the amount of waste collected from each household or business by weight. However, the value in obtaining such data is limited since most councils charge the ratepayer a flat fee for waste collection which does not take into account the number of times the ratepayer presents a waste container for pick up nor the amount by weight of waste collected from their premises.

W:\SASKIA'Patent Spec\adilam.doc Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing the collection of waste from a plurality of individual waste containers positioned at spaced apart locations along a collection route, the method including the following steps: providing navigation data to guide an operator of a mobile waste collection vehicle from a first spaced apart location to a next spaced apart location along the collection route; on arriving at each spaced apart location, engaging and lifting the waste container from a ground position to a dump position using a lifting arm associated with the mobile waste collection vehicle; reading an identification tag associated with the waste container using a reader provided on the mobile waste collection vehicle; dumping the waste into a collection receptacle in the mobile waste collection vehicle; the operator logging any observations regarding the waste container, the dumped waste and/or the location using an on board computer; returning the waste container from the dump position to the ground position before guiding the operator to a next spaced apart location along the collection route; and storing any observations logged along the collection route in a database to assist in future route management.

In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of recording an image to support an observation logged in the database.

The observations regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location may relate to one or more of the following: a condition of the waste container; a position and/or orientation of the waste container; a contamination of the waste collected from the waste container; any obstacle or other hazard interfering with collection of waste from a particular location; a faulty identification tag; or an excessive waste container weight.

W:\SASKIA\Patent Specadilam.doc 4 In a preferred embodiment, the step of providing navigation data includes the step of providing to the operator a warning where previously logged data indicates an issue which may affect the collection of waste from that particular waste container and/or location.

Preferably, the step of reading the identification tag identifies a ratepayer and ratepayer address associated with the waste container. More preferably, the method further includes the step of generating a notification addressed to the ratepayer at the ratepayer address, the notification informing the ratepayer of any issues affecting collection of waste from the particular waste container and/or location.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes the step of generating a report summarising issues affecting collection of waste along a particular collection route.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for managing the collection of waste from a plurality of individual waste containers at spaced apart locations along a collection route, the system including: a navigation component for guiding an operator of a mobile waste collection vehicle along the collection route; the plurality of waste containers each including an identification tag; the mobile waste collection vehicle including a lifting arm for engaging and lifting a waste container, a collection receptacle for receiving the waste and a reader for reading the identification tag associated with each waste container; an on board computer for logging any observations made by the operator regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location; and a transmission component for transmitting the logged data to a remote database for storing the observations logged along the collection route to assist in future collection route management.

In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes an image capturing device for recording an image of any observations regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location.

The navigation component preferably includes a visual display and audio output for guiding the vehicle operator along the collection route.

W:,SASKIA\Patent Specladilam.doc

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In a preferred form of the invention, the on board computer includes a voice recorder and a speech to text conversion facility to enable the vehicle operator to log pertinent observations whilst operating the waste collection vehicle.

In one form of the invention, the system further includes a notification generation component for generating a notification addressed to a ratepayer at a ratepayer address, the notification informing the ratepayer of issues affecting collection of waste from the particular waste container and/or location.

The system may include a report generation component for generating reports based on data logged on the waste collection route.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the attached drawings illustrating example forms of the invention. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a flowchart outlining the method for managing the collection of waste according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system components according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a screen view of the entry screen to the waste management system according to an embodiment.

Figure 4 is a screen view of the communications interface for uploading data to the waste management system according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is a screen view showing the options and setup menu according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is a screen view showing the hardware devices setup options according to an embodiment.

Figure 7 is a screen view of the "Actions" setup menu according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 is a screen view showing the camera setup menu according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a screen view showing the route selection menu according to an embodiment.

W:ASASKIA\Patent Spec\adilam.doc r Figure 10 is a screen view showing the pick up menu according to an embodiment.

Figure 11 is a screen view showing the "Curb Side Assist" options menu according to an embodiment.

Figure 12 is a screen view showing the "Depot Dump Page" which monitors the weight of the waste load according to an embodiment.

Figure 13 is a screen view showing a report generated to show the number of damaged garbage bins according to an embodiment.

Figure 14 is a screen view showing a report generated to compare garbage load weight vs. total number of bins on three collection routes according to an embodiment.

Figure 15 is a screen view showing a report generated to compare recycling load weight vs. total number of bins on three collection routes according to an embodiment.

Figure 16 is a screen view showing a report generated to show waste container weights for different waste types (green waste, recycling and garbage) according to an embodiment.

Figure 17 is a screen view showing a report generated to show presentation for pick up rates for different waste types (green waste, recycling and garbage) according to an embodiment.

Figure 18 is a screen view showing a ratepayer profile module for updating and monitoring ratepayer details according to an embodiment.

Figure 19 is screen view showing a summary of actions logged by the mobile waste collection vehicle operator according top an embodiment.

Detailed Description Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is provided a method for managing the collection of waste from a plurality of waste containers positioned at spaced apart intervals along a collection route. Each waste container has an identification tag which links the waste container with a ratepayer and a ratepayer address.

In a first step 102, navigation data is provided to guide an operator of a mobile waste collection vehicle along a predetermined collection route from a first spaced apart location to a next spaced apart location. A waste container is W:ASASKIA\Patent Spec\adilam.doc intended to be positioned at each spaced apart location for collection. In a next step 104, on arriving at each spaced apart location, the waste container is engaged and lifted from a ground position to a dump position using a lifting arm associated with the mobile waste collection vehicle. In step 106, the identification tag associated with the waste container is read using a reader provided on the mobile waste collection vehicle. Next step 108, involves dumping of the waste into a collection receptacle provided in the mobile waste collection vehicle.

In step 110, the operator logs any observations regarding the waste container, the dumped waste and/or the location using an on board computer.

In step 112, the waste container is returned from the dump position to the ground position before guiding the operator to a next spaced apart location along the collection route. A final step 114 involves any observations logged along the collection route being stored in a database to assist in future route management.

To facilitate the provision of navigation data to the operator of the mobile waste collection vehicle, the identification tags number the waste containers using a sequential numbering sequence which corresponds to the location of the waste container along the predetermined collection route. For example, the waste containers may be numbered sequentially as e.g. 000001.00, 000002.00, 000003.00 and so on. In a situation where a number of waste containers are associated with a single ratepayer address, for example in a shopping complex or group of units, the waste containers may be numbered in the following fashion, e.g. 000560.00, 000560.05, 000560.04, 000560.10, 000560.8 and so on. This type of numbering sequence enables the waste containers to be shifted around within the shopping complex or group of units without affecting the integrity of the overall waste container sequence on which the navigation data is based.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic overview of system components according to an embodiment. As previously noted, each waste container 202 has an identification tag which links the waste container 202 with a ratepayer and a ratepayer address. The identification tag is preferably a radio frequency identification or RFID tag. The tag may be inserted W:ASASKIAPatent Spec\adilam.doc r into the handle of a wheelie type bin could be placed under the lip of the waste container 202.

The mobile waste collection vehicle 204 is fitted with an on board computer 206 providing basic computing functions and incorporates a global positioning system (GPS), a wireless communication service such as general packet radio service (GPRS), and an image capturing device such as a digital camera 208. The on board computer 206 has a display which is preferably a touch screen to simplify data input. The touch screen is preferably mounted on the vehicle dashboard to enable quick and easy access by the operator. The mobile waste collection vehicle 204 is further fitted with an external reader, such as an RFID reader for scanning the RFID tags associated with the waste containers 202. Preferably, the RFID reader is located in the hopper of the mobile waste collection vehicle 204.

As the mobile waste collection vehicle 204 picks up a waste container 202 and reads the identification of RFID tag associated with the waste container 202, the system automatically registers that the identified waste container 202 has been emptied. The position of the mobile waste collection vehicle 204 at pick up is recorded in terms of longitude and latitude using a global positioning g system (GPS). Once the system registers the current position of the vehicle 204 on the collection route, it can provide navigation data to guide the operator in directing the vehicle 204 to the next spaced apart location on the collection route.

Any observations logged by the vehicle operator are also accompanied by a location and preferably also a time at which the data was recorded. This enables the location of a hazard or obstacle to be isolated at any point along the collection route whether the observation is made at a spaced apart location designated along the route, or at a location positioned between spaced apart locations. Any data recorded whilst servicing the collection route can be transmitted to council offices in real-time or at the end of the route to be stored in a database 210 for future reference and analysis. Transmission of data is preferably achieved using a wireless data transmission component 212.

If the operator observes something unusual or undesirable about the waste container, the dumped waste and/or the location, the on board computer provides the operator tools suitable for logging the observation. The system W:\SASKIAXPatent Specadiam.doc includes two main modules for managing two types of observations. Primary observations affect the collection of waste and are required to be remedied by a ratepayer or a responsible authority such as the council and are hereinafter refereed to as "Waste management" actions. Secondary observations that do not directly affect the collection of waste and are required to be rectified by a responsible authority, usually the council are hereinafter referred to as "Curb Side Assist" actions. A number of primary and secondary observation types are predefined in the system. Predefined observations invoke actions by the operator simply selecting and pressing the appropriate button on the touch screen associated with the on board computer.

An example of a predefined primary observation is waste contamination.

For instance, if a ratepayer has placed chemicals in the waste container and these chemicals are dumped into the collection receptacle causing the entire waste load to be contaminated, it is desirable to inform the ratepayer that his or her actions have resulted in contamination of a load of waste at a cost of X amount to the council. Raising ratepayer awareness of waste contamination issues is likely to prevent such contaminations from reoccurring. To log a contamination against the respective RFID tag, the operator pushes the "Contamination" button on the touch screen. A message detailing the contamination is transmitted to the council intranet via GPRS or a wireless LAN.

On receipt of the message by the council, a notification is generated in the form of a letter addressed to the ratepayer at the ratepayer address. The data log may be accompanied by photographic evidence of the contamination which can be forwarded to both the council and the ratepayer to confirm the contamination if required. Once a contamination has been recorded by the system, the next time that the mobile waste collection vehicle approaches the identified waste container on the collection route, the system will issue a warning to the operator by highlighting that on a previous pick up, the waste container was contaminated. This enables the operator to check the waste container contents before accepting the load.

Another example of a primary observation that is intended to be logged using the system is damaged waste containers. If a waste container is visibly damaged, the operator positions the vehicle beside the waste container and pushes the "Damaged" button on the touch screen to log a damaged waste W:SASKIAMPatent Spec~adilam.doc container against the ratepayer address. An image may be recorded to be provided to the council or ratepayer as required. Since the council is informed of the status of the waste container as damaged and the ratepayer address associated with the waste container, the council is able to proactively respond to the ratepayer by supplying a replacement waste container or container part.

Examples of predefined secondary or Curb Side Assist observations relate to actions which may or may not affect the collection of waste. The Curb Side Assist module makes use of the detailed knowledge that the mobile waste collection vehicle operator is likely to have of the area covered in the collection routes that the operator services on a regular basis. The system provides an intuitive and effective way of reporting any observations to council or other responsible authority for remedial action. The types of observations that an operator may wish to report using the Curb Side Assist module include disrepair of roadways and footpaths, fallen or over hanging trees and branches, low or over hanging power lines, drainage problems, and neighbourhood watch issues.

The on board computer further includes a keyboard facility such as a wireless keypad to enable the operator to enter observations to generate future warnings which are not predefined in the system. For example if the operator wants to be warned that "you are now entering a school area" as the vehicle approaches a school crossing, and this particular observation has not been predefined in the system, the operator enters the observation in text form using the keyboard facility. Preferably, the on board computer also includes a voice recorder and a speech to text conversion facility to enable the vehicle operator to verbally log observations without having to take his or her eyes off the road.

For each obstacles or hazard logged in the system, the operator will be provided with a warning the next time that the mobile waste collection vehicle approaches the location of the logged observation. Such warnings will continue to be issued until such time that the obstacle or hazard has been remedied, and the status of the observation updated in the system. Accordingly, the system enables the operator to anticipate hazards whether the hazard is a previous contamination of the waste load, a school crossing, or a fallen tree. Such warnings are provided to the operator visually via the display and are preferably also provided in some audible form to minimise the requirement for the operator to take his or her eyes off the road.

W:\SASKIAlPatent Specadilam.doc The operation of the system will now be explained in more detail by reference to Figures 3 to 19. Referring now to Figure 3, the start up screen is the first screen that appears on the touch screen display once the mobile waste collection vehicle has been turned on. The start up screen provides the operator with five options: "Load Data" which loads data from the central database held at council offices; "Waste Collection" which provides access to the main operations screen; "Send Data" which transmits data to the central database; "Options and Setups" which provides the setup options for communications, touch screen buttons, cameras and the like; and, "Turn Off System" which shuts the system down. The system will also shut off automatically one minute after the mobile waste collection vehicle is turned off.

Referring now to Figure 4, pressing the "Load Data" button provides access to the communications interface. Data can be transmitted in a number of ways between the central database located at council offices and the on board computer. One preferred option is file transfer protocol (FTP) via wireless LAN. Electronic mail messages between the operator and the council may be transmitted using GPRS. GPRS is preferred in instances where immediate action is required to be undertaken, for example, access to the waste container is blocked or neighbourhood watch issues.

Referring now to Figure 5, the "Options and Setup" menu enables the operator to log data relating to waste management actions. An "Update Bin ID" button enables the operator to add a previously unidentified waste container encountered on a collection route. The "Navigation" option is used to assign sequential numbers to waste containers to enable the operator to be directed from one waste container at a first location to another waste container at a next spaced apart location. Other menu options relate to setup of hardware devices and cameras.

Referring now to Figure 6, the "Devices" setup option enables the operator to add, remove or vary hardware connected with the system.

Referring now to Figure 7, the "Actions" setup screen enables the operator to add, remove or vary both Waste Management and Curb Side Assist observations or actions. For instance, the operator can setup each action to record a photographic image of the event by default. In the illustrated embodiment, where four cameras are associated with the system, the system W:\SASKIA\Patent Specladilam.doc 12 has been setup to capture an image with Camera 1 when logging a damaged bin lid.

Referring now to Figure 8, camera settings can be modified to capture images using optimum resolution to file size ratios.

Referring now to Figure 9, pressing the "Navigation Setup" button enables the operator to select the desired collection route from a series of predefined collection routes entered in the system. The system will automatically detect if the incorrect route is selected by any discrepancies between the navigation data and the actual position of the mobile waste collection vehicle.

Referring now to Figure 10, navigation data is provided to the operator in the format shown. The screen displays the present location of the mobile waste collection vehicle and the location and directions to the next five waste containers in the sequence. For each of the next five waste containers, the operator is warned of any potential problems based on previously logged observations, for example, contaminations, hidden waste containers or blind spots, and the like.

Referring now to Figure 11, by pressing the "Action Required" button in Figure 10, the operator is presented with the options for recording observations.

For instance, the operator may wish to log a contamination, an overweight bin, a damaged bin, an incorrectly located bin, blocked pathway or a faulty identification tag. Further sub options may be available for each of the actions shown in Figure 11. For instance, a damaged bin action may be specified as damage to handle, lid, wheel or total indicating whether the waste container is required to be replaced in part or whole. Each action can be setup to be photographed by default.

Referring now to Figure 12, by pressing the "Curb Side Assist" button in Figure 10, the operator is presented with the options for recording secondary observations in the Curb Side Assist module. For instance, the operator may wish to log the position of a dangerous tree, dirt on the road, a pothole, a footpath danger, low powerlines, oil on road, a pothole, property damage, a street flood or a faulty street light. Each option can optionally be setup to record an image of the hazard.

W:SASKIA\Patent Specladilam.doc 13 Referring now to Figure 13, the system further includes a module for monitoring the weight of the load. The mobile waste collection vehicle includes a weight determination component for determining the weight of the load. The system then averages the total load weight to enable an average weight per waste container to be determined on a particular collection route. Average waste container weight data can be used to monitor the waste disposal and recycling habits of ratepayers on each particular collection route.

When the mobile waste collection vehicle reaches the end of a collection route, the system will highlight to the operator potential missed locations by warning the operator that say more than five waste containers in a row are not logged as having been picked up.

The system preferably includes a report generation component for generating reports based on data logged on the waste collection route. These reports are designed to improve waste collection services and to target education of ratepayers to reduce contaminations and incorrectly positioned waste containers and the like. All reports are configured to be easily dumped into proprietary applications such as Word, Excel, and Access.

Referring now to Figure 14, the screen view shows a report of waste containers logged as damaged in the 2005 calendar year on collection routes 1 and 2. Additional reports are available for generation using the system, including type of waste container damage, i.e. damage to handle, lid or entire container; time taken to replace waste container from time of logging damage; age of waste containers; cause of waste container damage, i.e. ratepayer, waste collection vehicle, and the like. Such reports can be utilised by councils to forecast the cost of waste container replacements based on past patterns.

Although ratepayers are generally not charged for waste collection services on the basis of the weight of their waste containers, maintaining a record of waste container weights is a useful indicator of the efficiency of recycling practices. The waste container weight is obtained by the weight obtained at the weigh station or load cell on the mobile waste collection vehicle.

Waste container weight can be reported by collection route or service (e.g.

garbage, recycling, green waste) by month, quarter or year. Waste container weights can be used as an indicator to what is inside the waste container. For example, a greater than average bin weight may indicate that the waste W:\SASKIAPatent Specadilam.doc 14 container contains wet paper which could otherwise be recycled, a less than average waste container weight may indicate that the waste container contains plastic bottles which could otherwise be recycled. Increases in the weight of recycling waste containers on a collection route may indicate that greater use is being made of the recycling service.

For example, referring now to Figure 15 it can be seen that Route 1 has a greater weight per waste container than Route 2. If the same report is generated with regard to the weight of the recycling bins as shown in Figure 16, it can be shown who is recycling more efficiently. Route 1 has the most number of bins of Routes 1 to 3. Route 2 has the least amount of bins of Routes 1 to 3 at 18.6% of the total number of bins, but 26.2% of the total waste by weight.

Accordingly, it can be deduced that the bins on Route 2 have the greatest weight per waste container. As a result, ratepayers on Route 2 should be encouraged to increase their recycling efforts.

Referring now to Figure 16, showing a report based on waste container weights for recycling. In this case, it can be determined that Route 3 ratepayers appear to be recycling more efficiently than Route 1 ratepayers. Route 2 does not provide a recycling bin. Since the reduced weight of recycling materials could be attributed to other factors, i.e. Route 1 may recycle larger amounts of plastic bottles which are light in weight. Taking a photographic record can assist in determining whether Route 1 ratepayers are recycling less efficiently, or whether they are simply recycling materials which have less mass. The graph shown in Figure 17 shows that on Route 1, more garbage than recycling is disposed of.

Presentation rates can be reported to monitor how often waste containers are placed out for collection compared to the total number of waste containers on any one collection route. Figure 17 shows a graphical representation of presentation rates. Such data enables the waste collection contractor to plan ahead to determine whether more or less mobile waste collection vehicles are required on particular routes at particular times of the year.

Figure 18 shows a summary of actions logged by the mobile waste collection vehicle operator and whether remedial action, i.e. sending a letter to the ratepayer associated with the RFID tag was taken. To improve the W:\SASKIAMPatent Spec\adilam.doc

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efficiency of waste collection services, ratepayers need to be made aware of the effect that their contaminations, blockages and handles facing the incorrect way have on the service as a whole. Whilst proforma letters are provided on the system for each action, each type of notification can be easily modified and personalised by the council or waste contractor as required.

Figure 19 shows a ratepayer profile module, where ratepayer details, i.e.

address and contact details can be updated via the council intranet. The ratepayer details may also include a summary of actions logged against the ratepayer, i.e. number of major and minor contaminations, and other details such as year to date (YTD) pickups and YTD waste container weights.

The waste collection management system is flexible in regard to both front end and back end functions allowing for future enhancements in step with future advances in hardware and software technology. As council and waste controller needs are identified, additional reports can be generated to meet their requirements. It is envisaged that having a large number of councils using the waste management system of the present invention would provide opportunities to monitor and compare waste management functions from a range of localities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Advantages of the present invention are systematic improvements to waste collection and recycling services. The system encourages a reduction of contamination in landfill and increases in recycling efforts by educating ratepayers in the role that they play in the waste collection process. The system further enables more efficient servicing of collection routes by operators by providing detailed navigation data and warning s of potential issues which could affect the collection of waste from particular locations.

It is to be understood that various additions, alterations and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the invention.

W:SASKIA\Patent Spec~adilam.doc

Claims

2. A method according to claim 1, further including the step of recording an image to support an observation logged in the database.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the observations regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location relate to one or more of the following: a condition of the waste container; a position and/or orientation of the waste container; a contamination of the waste collected from the waste container; any obstacle or other hazard interfering with collection of waste from a particular location; W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\aditam.doc r a faulty identification tag; or an excessive waste container weight.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of providing navigation data includes the step of providing to the operator a warning where previously logged data indicates an issue which may affect the collection of waste from that particular waste container and/or location. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of reading the identification tag identifies a ratepayer and ratepayer address associated with the waste container.
6. A method according to claim 5, further including the step of generating a notification addressed to the ratepayer at the ratepayer address, the notification informing the ratepayer of any issues affecting collection of waste from the particular waste container and/or location.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including the step of generating a report summarising issues affecting collection of waste along a particular collection route.
8. A system for managing the collection of waste from a plurality of individual waste containers at spaced apart locations along a collection route, the system including: a navigation component for guiding an operator of a mobile waste collection vehicle along the collection route; the plurality of waste containers each including an identification tag; the mobile waste collection vehicle including a lifting arm for engaging and lifting a waste container, a collection receptacle for receiving the waste and a reader for reading the identification tag associated with each waste container; an on board computer for logging any observations made by the operator regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location; and W:,SASKIA'Patent Specadilam.doc 18 a transmission component for transmitting the logged data to a remote database for storing the observations logged along the collection route to assist in future collection route management.
9. A system according to claim 8, further including an image capturing device for recording an image of any observations regarding the waste container, the waste collected and/or the location. A system according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the navigation component includes a visual display and audio output for guiding the vehicle operator along the collection route.
11. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the on board computer includes a voice recorder and a speech to text conversion facility to enable the vehicle operator to log observations whilst operating the waste collection vehicle.
12. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further including a notification generation component for automatically generating a notification addressed to a ratepayer at a ratepayer address, the notification informing the ratepayer of issues affecting collection of waste from the particular waste container and/or location.
13. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further including a report generation component for generating reports based on data logged on the waste collection route. Dated: 21 September 2005 Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick Patent Attorneys for: Adilam Te q nologies Pty Ltd W:SASKIA\Patent Spec~adilam.doc