EP4315206A1

EP4315206A1 - A method for managing and controlling waste containers, and a waste collection system

Info

Publication number: EP4315206A1
Application number: EP22715714.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giorgio Moretti
Original assignee: Dedalus Italia SpA
Current assignee: Dedalus Italia SpA
Priority date: 2021-03-22
Filing date: 2022-03-21
Publication date: 2024-02-07
Also published as: IT202100006863A1; WO2022200986A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing and controlling waste containers in a waste collection system (100), wherein said waste collection system (100) comprises: - a plurality of waste containers (20), wherein each waste container (20) comprises a respective monitoring device (1), - at least one server (4) operatively connected to each monitoring device (1),- at least one optimization unit (23) operatively connected to said server (4) and to each monitoring device (1), - at least one transport means (21) for collecting the waste from said plurality of waste containers (20), wherein said transport means (21) is operatively connected to said optimization unit (23) by means of a data receiving module (22), wherein each monitoring device (1) comprises -data transceiver means (2) operatively connected to said server (4) for processing and storing data, and to said optimization unit (23), -a processor (3) connected to said data transceiver means (2), -at least one level sensor (5) for detecting, over time, a filling level of the respective waste container (20) and connected to said processor (3), Wherein, in a filling cycle of each container (20), the filling level grows from a minimum filling level to at least one threshold filling level, said method comprising the steps of: a1-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), the filling level of each container (20) for each filling cycle, a2-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device (1), each filling level detected to said server (4), a3-storing, on said server (4), each filling level detected, b1-setting, by means of said optimization unit (23), a threshold filling level for each container (20), c-generating, by means of said optimization unit (23), an expected filling parameter for each waste container (20) for a current filling cycle, wherein said expected filling parameter is representative of at least one expected filling level and of an expected time instant or interval in which said expected filling level will reach said threshold filling level, wherein said expected filling level is determined based on an analysis of the filling levels stored on said server (4) related to at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle, e-generating, by means of said optimization unit (23), a waste collection path having a number of collection stages equal to the number of said expected filling parameters generated, having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold, f-sending, to said at least one transport means (21), by means of said optimization unit (23), said waste collection path.

Description

"A method for managing and controlling waste containers, and a waste collection system"

DESCRIPTION

[0001]. Field of the invention

[0002]. The present invention relates to a method for managing and controlling waste containers in a waste collection system, as well as to a waste collection system.

[0003]. Background art

[0004]. In the field of waste collection, containers provided with a connectivity device configured to collect data on the filling level of the container and to transmit them to a control center, from which an optimized path of waste collection is provided based on the data transmitted by each device, are known from the prior art. By virtue of such devices, the progress status of the filling level of each container may be monitored, thus allowing a waste collection transport means to be provided with a path for collecting the greatest amount of waste, for example with the lowest consumption of fuel and/or in the shortest time possible and/or with the smallest number of operators.

[0005]. For example, document EP2516974 discloses a device for detecting the filling status of a container comprising capacitive type means which, depending on the change in electric capacitance, determine the filling status of the container, in which the filling status of the container is directly sent to a data collection and processing station, or indirectly to a movable device associated with a waste collection means which then sends the filling status of the container to the data collection and processing station so that a waste collection path is generated for such a container when a filling level threshold is exceeded.

[0006]. Although this solution allows monitoring the filling status of a container and generating a collection path, it should be noted that the collection path is generated based on the prompt analysis of the filling level, and the optimized path may only be defined only when a given threshold is exceeded. Therefore, the ability to schedule several waste collection cycles over time with such a device is highly limited. Furthermore, in this known solution, the geographical position of the device associated with the container is only indirectly detectable by the movable device associated with the collection means and accordingly, an undesired displacement of the container is not detectable before the optimized collection path is generated and sent to the collection means, thus making impossible the exclusion of the collection stage relative to the container which was displaced.

[0007]. In order to obviate the above drawbacks, the need is thus particularly felt in the field to increase the waste collection efficiency on the one hand, and on the other to increase the ability to provide the as accurate as possible collection path over time so as to allocate the smallest number of transport means and operators assigned with collection for each waste collection path.

[0008]. Therefore, the problem underlying the present invention is that of devising an optimized waste collection system and method which have such structural and functional features as to meet the aforesaid needs, while obviating the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the known art and meeting the aforesaid needs.

[0009]. Solution

[0010]. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for managing and controlling waste containers and a waste collection system in which planning the collection paths not only depends on the filling level or filling speed of the container of the current filling cycle, but also on the filling level or filling speed of the container of at least one previous cycle, thus increasing both the predictive ability of the filling level of each container and the waste collection efficiency.

[0011]. This and other objects and advantages are achieved by a method for managing and controlling waste containers according to claim 1, as well as by an optimized waste collection system according to claim 12.

[0012]. Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013]. An analysis of this solution has shown how the suggested solution allows historicizing the filling information of the containers, and thus calculating the overbooking potential - i.e., the actual number of containers to be emptied - of a collection path.

[0014]. Moreover, the suggested solution allows calculating the percentage of waste containers that will not be filled on a historical basis to thus extend the range of action of a collection means, i.e., by increasing the actual emptying stops it may perform and decreasing the cost of the means and the personnel required to cover the waste collection in a given area.

[0015]. Furthermore, by virtue of the provision of an optimization unit configured to generate an expected filling parameter for each container for the current filling cycle which is associated with a plurality of data acquired from the container monitoring devices and processed by the optimization unit in the past filling cycles, the collection paths may be accurately planned based on a filling cycle history, i.e., on daily, monthly and seasonal analyses of the filling levels of each monitored waste container.

[0016]. Drawings

[0017]. Further features and advantages of the system and method for managing and controlling waste containers will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018]. - Figure 1 shows a partially diagrammatic axonometric view of an optimized waste collection system according to the present invention, comprising a waste container provided with a monitoring device in operating connection with a server and an optimization unit according to the present invention;

[0019]. - Figures 2a-2c show a side view of the monitoring device installed on three different types of waste containers, having side opening, bell-shaped, and underground, respectively;

[0020]. - Figure 3 shows a sectional side view along a longitudinal median plane of the container in Figure 1, so as to show certain components of the monitoring device shown in Figure 1 mounted inside the container;

[0021]. - Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of an optimized waste collection system according to the present invention, showing a plurality of containers provided with a respective monitoring device, which are shown in Figure 1, and a waste collection means operatively connected to the optimization unit.

[0022]. Description of some preferred embodiments

[0023]. According to a general form of operation, there is provided a method for managing and controlling waste containers in a waste collection system 100.

[0024]. Said waste collection system 100 comprises a plurality of waste containers 20, in which each waste container 20 comprises a respective monitoring device 1, at least one server 4 operatively connected to each monitoring device 1, at least one optimization unit 23 operatively connected to said server 4 and to each monitoring device 1, and at least one transport means 21 for collecting the waste from said plurality of waste containers 20, in which said transport means (21) is operatively connected to said optimization unit 23 by means of a data receiving module (22).

[0025]. Each monitoring device 1 comprises data transceiver means 2 installed on a respective waste container of said plurality of waste containers 20 and operatively connected to said server 4 and to said optimization unit 23; a processor 3 installed on said respective waste container 20 connected to said data transceiver means 2 and at least one level sensor 5 installed on said respective waste container 20 operatively connected to said processor 3.

[0026]. Said at least one level sensor 5 is configured to detect at least one filling level of the respective waste container 20 for each filling cycle of said waste container 20. Said filling level changes in each filling cycle from a minimum filling level to at least one preset threshold filling level. According to an operating method, said threshold filling level is lower than a maximum filling level.

[0027]. The method comprises the steps of:

[0028]. al-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device 1, the filling level of each container 20 for each filling cycle,

[0029]. a2-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device 1, each filling level detected to said server 4,

[0030]. a3-storing, on said server 4, each filling level detected, [0031]. bl-setting, by means of said optimization unit 23, a threshold filling level for each container 20,

[0032]. c-generating, by means of said optimization unit 23, an expected filling parameter for each waste container 20 for a current filling cycle.

[0033]. Said expected filling parameter is representative of at least one expected filling level and of an expected time instant or interval in which said expected filling level will reach said threshold filling level, in which said expected filling level is determined based on an analysis of the filling levels stored on said server 4 related to at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle. In other words, said expected filling level is determined based on an historical analysis of the filling levels stored on said server 4.

[0034]. The method further comprises the steps of:

[0035]. e-generating, by means of said optimization unit 23, a waste collection path having a number of collection stages equal to the number of said expected filling parameters generated having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold,

[0036]. f-sending, to said at least one transport means 21, by means of said optimization unit 23, said waste collection path.

[0037]. Advantageously, said expected filling level is calculated at least by means of said plurality of filling levels for at least said previous filling cycle acquired from said server 4, preferably for each previous filling cycle acquired from said server 4.

[0038]. By virtue of the provision of step c- in which the optimization unit 23 is configured to generate the expected filling parameter representative of the expected filling level calculated based on the filling levels received for at least the previous filling cycle, the instant or time interval in which each container will reach the preset filling threshold may be estimated by analyzing the filling level trend of the container in the previous filling cycles.

[0039]. According to an operating method, said data transceiver means 2 comprise a data transceiver module 6 and a GPS tracker 7, in which said GPS tracker 7 is configured to detect at least one current geographical position of the respective waste container 20 for each filling cycle.

[0040]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of a4-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device 1, the current geographical position of each container 20 for each filling cycle.

[0041]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of a5-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device 1, each detected geographical position to said server 4.

[0042]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of storing each detected geographical position on said server

4.

[0043]. According to an operating method, said expected filling parameter is representative of the detected current geographical position for the respective container 20.

[0044]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of b2-selecting, by means of said optimization unit 23, a geographical collection area. According to an operating method, said optimization unit 23 comprises a map in which said containers 23 are located and is configured to select at least one of the containers on said map.

[0045]. According to an operating method, the number of collection stages is equal to the number of said expected filling parameters related to each container 20 having a geographical position located inside said selected geographical waste area having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold.

[0046]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of b3-selecting, by means of said optimization unit 23, a time interval of historical analysis of said at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle.

[0047]. According to an operating method, in step c-, said historical analysis of the filling levels stored on said server relates to the filling cycles prior to said current filling cycle completed in said selected time interval of historical analysis. [0048]. According to an operating method, said time interval comprises at least one day and/or at least one month and/or a season.

[0049]. According to an operating method, the method comprises the step of a7-determining, by means of said optimization unit 23, at least one filling speed of the respective container for each filling cycle.

[0050]. According to an operating method, said expected filling parameter is further representative of said filling speed for said current cycle determined by said optimization unit 23 and of said filling speed for at least said previous filling cycle determined by said optimization unit 23.

According to an operating method, said expected filling parameter is further representative of an expected filling speed determined by said optimization unit 23, in which said expected filling speed is determined at least based on said filling speed for at least said previous filling cycle.

[0051]. According to an operating method, said plurality of containers 20 comprises at least a first group of containers 24. [0052]. According to an operating method, the monitoring device 1 of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers 24, or of said plurality of waste containers 20, comprises: an electromechanical lock 8 installed on said container 20 for controlling the opening and closing of an aperture of said container 20, and a motor 9 for operating said electromechanical lock 8, in which said motor 9 is connected to said processor 3 and to said electromechanical lock 8.

[0053]. According to an operating method, said monitoring device 1 is configured to operate said electromechanical lock 8.

[0054]. According to an operating method, said monitoring device 1 is configured to avoid said filling level from being detected when the respective electromechanical lock 8 is active.

[0055]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the steps of b4-selecting, by means of said optimization unit 23, at least one container of said first group of containers 24, and b5- sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, a locking signal to the monitoring device 1 of each selected container of said first group of containers 24 for closing the respective electromechanical lock 8.

[0056]. According to an operating method, in said step e-, said number of collection stages is equal to the difference between said number of said expected filling parameters having an expected filling level which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold, and a number of containers equal to the number of said selected containers of said first group of containers 24.

[0057]. By virtue of steps b4 and b5, certain containers 20 of system 100 may be selected and users of containers may be prevented from disposing of waste in such containers, and then they may be excluded from the configured waste collection. By virtue of steps b4 and b5, certain containers may be selected, for example located in geographical areas involved in a scheduled event, such as a demonstration, to prevent access to the selected containers in step b4 for a predetermined time period, for example equal to at least the duration of the demonstration.

[0058]. According to an operating method, the containers of said at least a first group of containers 24 are arranged close to one another in a collection zone.

[0059]. According to an operating method, each container of said first group of containers 24 is selected in said step b4-. According to an operating method, the method comprises, prior to step b4, a step of selecting a locking geography area, in which step b4 provides selecting at least one container or all the containers of said first group of containers that are in said locking geography area. According to an operating method, the method comprises a step of selecting a locking time period. According to an operating method, after step b5, the method avoids sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, an opening signal to the monitoring device of the containers of said first group of containers 24 selected in said step b4 for opening electromechanical lock 8 thereof, for said locking time period.

[0060]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of i-sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, an opening signal to the monitoring device of a first selected container 25 of said first group of containers 24 for opening the electromechanical lock 8 of said first container 25 of said first group of containers 24. According to an operating method, step i is provided after steps b4 and b5, following a preset closing period of the selected containers in step b4. According to an operating method, step i allows accessing each container selected in step b4 for a preset opening period. Thereby, access to the selected containers may be allowed, for example in a geographical area involved in a scheduled event, such as a neighborhood party, and keeping the selected containers open, for example at least for the duration of the scheduled event.

[0061]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of ii-sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, said closing signal to the monitoring device of said first container 25 for closing the respective electromechanical lock 8 when the filling level of said first container 25 exceeds said preset filling threshold, and consequentially sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, said opening signal to the monitoring device of a second container 26 of said first group of containers 24, in which the filling level of said second container 26 is less than said preset filling threshold. [0062]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of iii-repeating said step ii- until each container of said first group of containers 24 has a greater filling level than said preset filling threshold.

[0063]. According to an operating method, said number of collection stages is equal to the difference between said number of said expected filling parameters having an expected filling level which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold added to a number of above-threshold containers equal to the number of said selected containers of said first group of containers 24 having an expected filling level which is greater than or equal to said preset filling threshold, and said number of containers equal to the number of said selected containers of said first group of containers 24. [0064]. According to an operating method, the monitoring device 1 of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers 24, or of said plurality of waste containers 20, comprises a user identification unit 10 configured to receive a user recognition signal from a user desiring to dispose of waste in the respective container 20, said user identification unit 10 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[0065]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of hl-detecting, by means of said monitoring device 1, said user recognition signal.

[0066]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of h2-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device 1 said user recognition signal to said server 4. [0067]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of h3-storing each transmitted user recognition signal on said server 4.

[0068]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of h4-comparing, by means of said optimization unit 23, each stored user recognition signal with a list of recognition signals stored on said server 4.

[0069]. According to an operating method, if said user recognition signal is on said list of recognition signals and if the filling level for said current filling cycle is less than said preset filling threshold, said method comprises the step of h5-sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, an opening signal to the monitoring device of the respective container.

[0070]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of h6-counting, by means of said optimization unit, a number of authorized openings of said electromechanical lock 8 for each filling cycle and storing them on said server 4 for each filling cycle.

[0071]. According to an operating method, in said step c-, said expected filling parameter is further representative of said number of authorized openings for said current filling cycle, and of said number of authorized openings for at least said previous filling cycle.

[0072]. According to an operating method, the monitoring device 1 of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers 24, or of said plurality of waste containers 20, comprises a disposed waste identification unit 11 configured to detect a waste recognition signal from said at least one waste item disposed of by said user, said disposed waste identification unit 11 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[0073]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of gl-acquiring, by means of said monitoring device 1, said waste recognition signal.

[0074]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of g2-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device 1, said waste recognition signal to said server 4.

[0075]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of g3-storing each acquired waste recognition signal on said server 4.

[0076]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of g4-associating, by means of said optimization unit 23, said waste recognition signal with said user recognition signal by generating a user-waste association signal and storing said user- waste association signal on said server.

[0077]. According to an operating method, in said step c-, said expected filling parameter is further representative of said waste recognition signal for said current filling cycle.

[0078]. According to an operating method, said system 100 comprises at least one control and maintenance operation center operatively connected to said optimization unit 23. [0079]. According to an operating method, said device 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 18 installed inside said container 20 and configured to detect at least one temperature, over time, inside said container 20, said at least one temperature sensor 18 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[0080]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of 11-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device 1, at least one temperature for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[0081]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of 12-sending, by means of said monitoring device 1, each detected temperature to said server 4 and storing it on said server

4.

[0082]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of 13-comparing, by means of said optimization unit 23, said at least one detected temperature for said current cycle with a preset temperature threshold.

[0083]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of 14-sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, a temperature alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container 20 to said control and maintenance operation center if said at least one detected temperature is greater than said preset temperature threshold.

[0084]. According to an operating method, in said step c-, said expected filling parameter is further representative of the temperature detected by said temperature sensor 20.

[0085]. According to an operating method, said device 1 of each container 20 comprises at least one humidity sensor 18 installed inside said container 20 and configured to detect at least one humidity level, over time, inside said container 20, said at least one humidity sensor 18 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[0086]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of ml-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device 1, at least one humidity level for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[0087]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of m2-sending, by means of said monitoring device 1, each detected humidity level to said server 4 and storing it on said server 4.

[0088]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of m3-comparing, by means of said optimization unit 23, said at least one detected humidity level with a preset humidity threshold.

[0089]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of m4- sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, a humidity alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container 20 to said control and maintenance operation center when said detected humidity level is greater than said preset humidity threshold so as to schedule an inspection of the respective container 20.

[0090]. According to an operating method, in said step c-, said expected filling parameter is further representative of the humidity level detected by said humidity sensor 18.

[0091]. According to an operating method, device 1 of each container 20 comprises at least one accelerometer 19 configured for at least one acceleration change for each filling cycle of said waste container 20 and operatively connected to said processor 3. [0092]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of nl- detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device 1, said at least one acceleration change for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[0093]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of n2-sending, by means of said monitoring device 1, each detected acceleration change to said server 4 and storing it on said server 4.

[0094]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of n3- comparing, by means of said optimization unit 23, said at least one acceleration change with a preset acceleration change threshold.

[0095]. According to an operating method, said method comprises the step of n4- sending, by means of said optimization unit 23, a shock alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container 20 to said control and maintenance operation center when said at least one acceleration change is greater than said preset acceleration change threshold, so as to schedule an inspection of the respective container 20.

[0096]. According to an operating method, in said step c-, said expected filling parameter is further representative of the acceleration change detected by said device 1.

[0097]. The present invention also relates to a waste collection system 100 for implementing one or more of the operating methods described above.

[0098]. According to an embodiment, said system 100 comprises a plurality of waste containers 20, in which each waste container 20 comprises a respective monitoring device 1, at least one server 4 operatively connected to each monitoring device 1, and at least one transport means 21 for collecting the waste from said plurality of waste containers 20, in which said transport means 21 is operatively connected to said waste collection optimization unit 23 by means of a data receiving module 22.

[0099]. Each monitoring device 1 comprises data transceiver means 2 operatively connected to said server 4 for processing and storing data, and to said optimization unit 23, a processor 3 connected to said data transceiver means 2, and at least one level sensor 5 for detecting, over time, a filling level of the respective waste container 20 and connected to said processor 3. The filling level in a filling cycle of each container 20 grows from a minimum filling level to at least one threshold filling level.

[00100]. According to an embodiment, said system 100 is configured to operate the method described.

[00101]. According to an embodiment, each monitoring device 1 is configured to:

[00102]. -detect, in real time or at preset time intervals, the filling level of each container 20 for each filling cycle,

[00103]. -transmit each filling level detected to said server 4. [00104]. According to an embodiment, said server 4 is configured to store each filling level detected on a server storage.

[00105]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to:

[00106]. -set a threshold filling level for each container,

[00107]. -generate an expected filling parameter for each waste container 20 for a current filling cycle, in which said expected filling parameter is representative of at least one expected filling level and of an expected time instant or interval in which said expected filling level will reach said threshold filling level, in which said expected filling level is determined with respect to an historical analysis of the filling levels stored on said server related to at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle,

[00108]. -generate, by means of said optimization unit, a waste collection path having a number of collection stages equal to the number of said expected filling parameters having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold,

[00109]. -send, to said at least one transport means, said waste collection path.

[00110]. According to an embodiment, said expected filling parameter is associated with an expected filling level and with a time instant or time interval in which said expected filling level in said current filling cycle will reach a greater filling level than said preset filling threshold.

[00111]. According to an embodiment, said expected filling level is calculated by means of said plurality of filling levels for each previous filling cycle acquired from said server 4.

[00112]. According to an embodiment, said data transceiver means 2 comprise a data transceiver module 6.

[00113]. According to an embodiment, said data transceiver means 2 comprise a GPS tracker 4 configured to detect at least one current geographical position of the respective waste container 20 for each filling cycle.

[00114]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to detect, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said GPS tracker 7, said current geographical position for said current filling cycle.

[00115]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to transmit each detected geographical position to said server 4 so as to store it on said server 4.

[00116]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to acquire at least said current geographical position for said current filling cycle from said server 4.

[00117]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with the current geographical position detected by said GPS tracker 7.

[00118]. By virtue of the provision of said GPS tracker 7, the containers comprising said device 1 may be localized in highly accurate manner on a map, both to provide optimized waste collection paths and to track possible displacements of said containers in the case of scheduled events, such as parties or demonstrations, or in the case of accidental events, such as adverse weather or vandalism. [00119]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to determine at least one filling speed of the respective container for each filling cycle, for each waste container 20.

[00120]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to store each filling speed determined for each current and previous filling cycle for each waste container 20, on said server 4.

[00121]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with said filling speed for said current cycle determined by said optimization unit 23, and with said filling speed for at least said previous filling cycle determined by said optimization unit 23.

[00122]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with an expected filling speed determined by said optimization unit 23, in which said expected filling speed is calculated at least based on said filling speed for at least said previous filling cycle.

[00123]. According to an embodiment, said expected filling speed is calculated based on said filling speed for said current cycle determined by said optimization unit 23.

[00124]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises an electromechanical lock 8 installed on said container 20 for controlling the opening and closing of a door 27 of said container 20 for accessing a containment cavity of said container.

[00125]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises a motor 9 for operating said electromechanical lock 8, in which said motor 9 is connected to said processor 3 and to said electromechanical lock 8.

[00126]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to activate said electromechanical lock 8.

[00127]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to avoid detecting said filling level when said electromechanical lock 8 is active.

[00128]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to independently send a locking or unlocking signal to lock or unlock the respective electromechanical lock 8, to each processor 3 of each monitoring device 1.

[00129]. Advantageously, by virtue of the provision of the electromechanical lock 8 which may be operated by the optimization unit 23 and by processor 3, a controlled opening of a group of containers may be scheduled so that the containers of the group of containers are filled in sequence.

[00130]. Furthermore, an energy saving in managing the battery of device 1 is possible by virtue of the fact that said processor is configured to avoid detecting the filling level of the container when the electromechanical lock is active.

[00131]. Furthermore, the opening/closing of each container may be remotely controlled by virtue of the provision of said electromechanical lock 8. Furthermore, by virtue of the provision of the electromechanical lock 8 which may be operated by the optimization unit 23 and by processor 3, a controlled opening or closing of a group of containers in a predetermined geographical area and in a predetermined time period may be scheduled, for example in the geographical areas involved in scheduled events, such as parties or demonstrations, for the duration of the scheduled events, or in accidental events, such as adverse weather or vandalism, for an estimated duration of the accidental events.

[00132]. According to an embodiment, said device comprises a user identification unit 10 installed on the respective waste container 20 and configured to receive a user recognition signal from a user desiring to dispose of waste in said container 20, said user identification unit 10 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[00133]. According to an embodiment, said user identification unit 10 comprises a Bluetooth receiver.

[00134]. According to an embodiment, said user identification unit 10 comprises an RFID reader for identifying a tag associated with said user.

[00135]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to detect said user recognition signal. [00136]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to transmit said user recognition signal to said server 4.

[00137]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to acquire said user recognition signal from said server 4 and to compare said user recognition signal with a list of recognition signals stored on said server 4.

[00138]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to send said locking or unlocking signal to said processor 3 to lock or unlock the respective electromechanical lock 8 if said user recognition signal is on said list of recognition signals.

[00139]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to count a number of authorized openings of said electromechanical lock 8 for each filling cycle of the respective container 20.

[00140]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with said number of authorized openings for said current filling cycle and with said number of authorized openings for at least said previous filling cycle.

[00141]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises a disposed waste identification unit 11 installed on the respective waste container 20 and configured to detect a waste recognition signal from said at least one waste item disposed of by said user, said disposed waste identification unit 11 being operatively connected to said processor 3. [00142]. According to an embodiment, said disposed waste identification unit 11 comprises an RFID reader configured to identify a tag associated with the bag containing the waste.

[00143]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to acquire said waste recognition signal detected by said disposed waste identification unit 11.

[00144]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit is configured to associate said waste recognition signal with said user recognition signal by generating a user-waste association signal.

[00145]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit is configured to store said user-waste association signal on said server 4.

[00146]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with said waste recognition signal for said current filling cycle.

[00147]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises at least one container opening and closing detection sensor 12 of said door 27 for covering an aperture of said container 20.

[00148]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises at least one rechargeable battery 13 for electrically feeding said device 1, i.e., at least said processor 3, said data transceiver means 2 and said level sensor 5, and any further electronic components of said device 1.

[00149]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises at least one solar panel 14 for recharging said rechargeable battery

13. [00150]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises a user interface 15 provided with an interactive screen 16 operatively connected to said processor 3.

[00151]. According to an embodiment, said data transceiver module 2 comprise a GSM module.

[00152]. According to an embodiment, said GPS tracker 7 comprises a GPS module.

[00153]. According to an embodiment, said at least one level sensor 5 is an ultrasound sensor and is arranged inside said container 20 and secured to said container 20 in a central position with respect to an upper surface of said container.

[00154]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises a clock for temporally scheduled functions, which is operatively connected to said processor 3.

[00155]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 18 installed inside said container 20 and configured to detect at least one temperature, over time, inside said container 20, said at least one temperature sensor 18 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[00156]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to detect, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said temperature sensor 18, at least one temperature for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[00157]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to send said at least one detected temperature for each filling cycle of the respective waste container 20, to said server 4. [00158]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to acquire said at least one detected temperature for each filling cycle of the respective waste container 20, from said server 4.

[00159]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to compare said at least one detected temperature for said current cycle with a preset temperature threshold.

[00160]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to generate a temperature alarm signal associated with a geographical position of the respective container 20.

[00161]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to send said temperature alarm signal associated with said geographical position of the respective container 20 to an operation center so as to schedule an inspection of the respective container 20.

[00162]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with the temperature detected by said temperature sensor 20.

[00163]. According to an embodiment, said device 1 comprises at least one humidity sensor 18 installed inside said container 20 and configured to detect at least one humidity level, over time, inside said container 20, said at least one humidity sensor 18 being operatively connected to said processor 3.

[00164]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to detect, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said humidity sensor 18, at least one humidity level for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[00165]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to send said at least one humidity level for each filling cycle of the respective waste container 20, to said server 4.

[00166]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to acquire said at least one detected humidity level from said server 4.

[00167]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to compare said at least one detected humidity level with a preset humidity threshold.

[00168]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to generate a humidity alarm signal associated with a geographical position of the respective container 20.

[00169]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to send said humidity alarm signal associated with said geographical position of the respective container 20 to an operation center so as to schedule an inspection of the respective container 20.

[00170]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with the humidity level detected by said humidity sensor 18.

[00171]. According to an embodiment, said device comprises at least one accelerometer 19 installed on said container 20.

[00172]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to detect, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said accelerometer 19, at least one acceleration change for each filling cycle of said waste container 20.

[00173]. According to an embodiment, said processor 3 is configured to send said at least one acceleration change to said server 4. [00174]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to acquire said at least one acceleration change from said server 4.

[00175]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to compare said at least one acceleration change with a preset acceleration change threshold.

[00176]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to generate a shock alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container 20 when said at least one acceleration change is greater than said preset acceleration change threshold.

[00177]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to send said shock alarm signal associated with said geographical position of the respective container 20 to an operation center so as to schedule an inspection of the respective container 20.

[00178]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to associate said expected filling parameter with said at least one acceleration change.

[00179]. According to an embodiment, said device comprises at least one gas detection sensor installed on said container 20.

[00180]. According to an embodiment, said device comprises at least one smoke detection sensor installed on said container 20. [00181]. According to an embodiment, said device comprises at least one liquid detection sensor installed on said container 20.

[00182]. According to an embodiment, said container 20 comprises at least one containment body which has an access opening inside the cavity of the containment body.

[00183]. According to an embodiment, said container 20 comprises a door which is movable between a closing position of said access opening and at least one opening position of said access opening, to allow the introduction of at least one waste item into the container.

[00184]. According to an embodiment, said data receiving module 22 is associated with a movable device, for example a smartphone or a tablet.

[00185]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 comprises a computer platform configured to analyze the plurality of data stored on said server 4 by means of artificial intelligence algorithms.

[00186]. According to an embodiment, said server 4 comprises said waste collection optimization unit 23.

[00187]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to independently set at least one respective preset filling threshold for each device 1 for each container 20.

[00188]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to select a geographical area in which at least a portion of said plurality of containers 20 is arranged.

[00189]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to select a collection time instant or collection time interval.

[00190]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to generate a waste collection path having a number of collection stages equal to the number of expected filling parameters related to each device 1 having a geographical position located within said selected geographical area which have an expected filling level which is greater than said preset filling threshold in said selected collection time instant or in said selected collection time interval.

[00191]. According to an embodiment, said plurality of waste containers 20 comprises at least a first group of containers 24 arranged close to one another in a collection zone.

[00192]. According to an embodiment, device 1 of each container of said first group of containers 24 comprises said electromechanical lock 8 and said motor 9 according to at least one of the embodiments described above.

[00193]. According to an embodiment, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to: send said locking signal for locking the respective electromechanical lock 8 to each processor 3 of said first group of containers 24; send said unlocking signal to processor 3 of a first container 25 of said first group of containers 24 for unlocking the respective electromechanical lock 8, while keeping locked the electromechanical locks 8 of the remaining containers of said first group of containers 24.

[00194]. According to an embodiment, when the filling level of said first container 25 exceeds said preset filling threshold, said waste collection optimization unit 23 is configured to send said locking signal for locking said electromechanical lock 8 of said first container 25 of said first group of containers, and consequentially send said unlocking signal to processor 3 of a second container 26 of said first group of containers 24 for unlocking the respective electromechanical lock 8, in which the filling level of said second container 26 is less than said preset filling threshold, this latter operation being repeated until each container of said first group of containers 24 has a respective filling level which is greater than said preset filling threshold.

[00195]. According to an embodiment, said optimization unit 23 is configured to: select a geographical area in which at least a portion of said plurality of containers 20 is arranged; select an electromechanical lock locking time instant or time interval; send said lock locking signal to each device 1 having a geographical position located within said selected geographical area to lock the respective electromechanical locks 8.

[00196]. According to an embodiment, said number of collection stages is equal to the difference between a total number of containers present along said path, a number of containers below the threshold equal to the number of containers present along said path which have a lower filling level than said preset filling threshold and having said lock unlocked, and a number of locked containers equal to the number of containers of said first group of containers having said lock locked and which have a lower filling level than said preset filling threshold.

[00197]. By virtue of the system 100 and the method described, the number of waste containers to be emptied may be automatically identified based on the preset filling threshold levels, and waste collection paths with related analysis of the collection efficiency may be provided based on historical data of filling levels of the waste containers related to previous filling cycles.

[00198]. By virtue of the system 100 and the method described, waste collection paths may be generated based on overbooking criteria, i.e., based on an over-allocation of the waste collection means with respect to the actual capacity while considering that, on statistical basis with respect to the expected filling parameters, at least one portion of the containers will be partially or completely empty.

[00199]. The collection paths may be optimized by virtue of the system 100 and the method described, with related economical savings and pollution reduction.

[00200]. Furthermore, by virtue of the system 100 and the method described, it is possible to optimize the distribution of the containers based on the monitored actual use.

[00201]. Furthermore, by virtue of the device 1, the system 100 and the method described, it is possible to decrease the impact of the waste collection means on urban and suburban traffic. LIST OF REFERENCE

1 Monitoring device

2 data transceiver means or communication means

3 processor

4 server

5 level sensor

6 data transceiver module

7 GPS tracker

8 electromechanical lock

9 motor

10 user identification unit

11 disposed waste identification unit

12 container opening and closing detection sensor

13 rechargeable battery

14 solar panel

15 user interface

16 interactive screen

17 temperature sensor

18 humidity sensor

19 accelerometer

20 waste container

21 transport means

22 data receiving module

23 waste collection optimization unit

24 first group of containers

25 first container

26 second container

27 door

100 Optimized waste collection system

Claims

1. A method for managing and controlling waste containers in a waste collection system (100), wherein said waste collection system (100) comprises:

- a plurality of waste containers (20), wherein each waste container (20) comprises a respective monitoring device (1),

- at least one server (4) operatively connected to each monitoring device (1),

- at least one optimization unit (23) operatively connected to said server (4) and to each monitoring device (1),

- at least one transport means (21) for collecting the waste from said plurality of waste containers (20), wherein said transport means (21) is operatively connected to said optimization unit (23) by means of a data receiving module (22), wherein each monitoring device (1) comprises

-data transceiver means (2) operatively connected to said server (4) for processing and storing data and to said optimization unit (23),

-a processor (3) connected to said data transceiver means (2), -at least one level sensor (5) for detecting, over time, a filling level of the respective waste container (20) and connected to said processor (3), wherein, in a filling cycle of each container (20), the filling level grows from a minimum filling level to at least one threshold filling level said method comprising the steps of: al-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), the filling level of each container (20) for each filling cycle, a2-transmitting, by means of said monitoring device (1), each filling level detected to said server (4), a3-storing, on said server (4), each filling level detected, bl-setting, by means of said optimization unit (23), a threshold filling level for each container (20), c-generating, by means of said optimization unit (23), an expected filling parameter for each waste container (20) for a current filling cycle, wherein said expected filling parameter is representative of at least one expected filling level and of an expected time instant or interval in which said expected filling level will reach said threshold filling level, wherein said expected filling level is determined based on an analysis of the filling levels stored on said server (4) related to at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle, e-generating, by means of said optimization unit (23), a waste collection path having a number of collection stages equal to the number of said expected filling parameters generated, having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold, f-sending to said at least one transport means (21), by means of said optimization unit (23), said waste collection path.

2. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein said data transceiver means (2) comprise a data transceiver module (6) and a GPS tracker (7), wherein said GPS tracker (7) is configured to detect at least one current geographical position of the respective waste container (20) for each filling cycle, wherein said method comprises the steps of: a4-detecting, in real time, or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), the current geographical position of each container (20) for each filling cycle, a5- transmitting, by means of said monitoring device (1), each geographical position detected to said server (4), a6- storing, on said server (4), each geographical position detected, wherein said expected filling parameter is representative of the current geographical position detected for the respective container (20), wherein said method comprises the step of: b2-selecting a geographical collection area, by means of said optimization unit (23), wherein the number of collection stages is equal to the number of said expected filling parameters related to each container (20) having a geographical position located inside said selected geographical waste area having an expected filling level, which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of containers (20) comprises at least a first group of containers (24), wherein the monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) comprises:

-an electromechanical lock (8) installed on said container (20) for controlling the opening and closing of an aperture of said container (20), -a motor (9) for operating said electromechanical lock (8), wherein said motor (9) is connected to said processor (3) and to said electromechanical lock (8), wherein said monitoring device (1) is configured to operate said electromechanical lock (8), and wherein said monitoring device (1) is configured to avoid said filling level from being detected when the respective electromechanical lock (8) is active, wherein said method comprises the steps of: b4-selecting, by means of said optimization unit (23), at least one container of said first group of containers (24), and b5-sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), a locking signal to the monitoring device (1) of each selected container of said first group of containers (24) for closing the respective electromechanical lock (8), wherein said number of collection stages is equal to the difference between said number of said expected filling parameters having an expected filling level which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold, and a number of containers equal to the number of said containers selected of said first group of containers (24).

4. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the containers of said at least a first group of containers (24) are arranged close to one another in a collection zone, wherein each container of said first group of containers (24) is selected in said step b4, wherein said method comprises the steps of: i-sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), an opening signal to the monitoring device of a first selected container (25) of said first group of containers (24) for opening the electromechanical lock (8) of said first container (25) of said first group of containers (24), ii-when the filling level of said first container (25) exceeds said preset filling threshold, sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), said closing signal to the monitoring device of said first container (25) for closing the respective electromechanical lock (8), and consequentially sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), said opening signal to the monitoring device of a second container (26) of said first group of containers (24), wherein the filling level of said second container (26) is less than said preset filling threshold iii-repeating said step ii- until each container of said first group of containers (24) has a greater filling level than said preset filling threshold, wherein said number of collection stages is equal to the difference between said number of said expected filling parameters having an expected filling level which is at least equal to said expected filling threshold, added to a number of above-threshold containers equal to the number of said selected containers of said first group of containers (24) having an expected filling level which is greater than or equal to said preset filling threshold, and said number of containers equal to the number of said selected containers of said first group of containers (24).

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) comprises: a user identification unit (10) configured to receive a user recognition signal from a user who wants to dispose of a waste into the respective container (20), said user identification unit (10) being operatively connected to said processor (3), wherein said method comprises the steps of: hl-detecting, by means of said monitoring device (1), said user recognition signal, h2- transmitting to said server (4), by means of said monitoring device (1), said user recognition signal h3- storing, on said server (4), each transmitted user recognition signal, h4- comparing, by means of said optimization unit (23), each user recognition signal stored with a list of recognition signals stored on said server (4), h5- if said user recognition signal is present on said list of recognition signals and if the filling level for said current filling cycle is less than said preset filling threshold, sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), an opening signal to the monitoring device of the respective container, h6- by means of said optimization unit, counting a number of authorized openings of said electromechanical lock (8) for each filling cycle, and storing them on said server (4) for each filling cycle, wherein said expected filling parameter is further representative of said number of authorized openings for said current filling cycle and of said number of authorized openings for at least said previous filling cycle. 6. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) comprises:

-a disposed waste identification unit (11) configured to detect a waste recognition signal from said at least one waste disposed of by said user, said disposed waste identification unit (11) being operatively connected to said processor (3), wherein said method comprises the steps of: gl-acquiring, by means of said monitoring device (1), said waste recognition signal, g2- transmitting to said server (4), by means of said monitoring device (1), said waste recognition signal, g3- storing, on said server (4), each acquired waste recognition signal, g4-associating, by means of said optimization unit (23), said waste recognition signal with said user recognition signal by generating a user-waste association signal, and storing said user-waste association signal on said server (4); wherein said expected filling parameter is further representative of said waste recognition signal for said current filling cycle.

7 . A method according to claim 3, comprising:

- before the step b4, a step of selecting a locking geography area, wherein the step b4 provides selecting at least a container or all the containers of said first group of containers that are localized in said locking geography area,

- a step of selecting a locking time period,

Wherein, after step b5, the method avoids, for said locking time period, sending, by means of said optimization unit (23), an opening signal to the monitoring device of the containers of said first group of containers (24) selected in said step b4 for opening their electromechanical lock (8).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises the step of: b3-selecting, by means of said optimization unit (23), a time interval of historical analysis of said at least one filling cycle prior to said current filling cycle, wherein said analysis of the filling levels stored on said server relates to the filling cycles prior to said current filling cycle completed in said selected time interval of historical analysis, wherein said time interval comprises at least one day and/or at least one month.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said system (100) comprises at least one control and maintenance operation center operatively connected to said optimization unit (23), wherein said device (1) comprises at least one temperature sensor (18) installed inside said container (20) and configured to detect at least one temperature, over time, inside said container (20), said at least one temperature sensor (18) being operatively connected to said processor (3), wherein said method comprises the steps of

11-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), at least one temperature for each filling cycle of said waste container (20),

12-sending to said server (4), by means of said monitoring device (1), each temperature detected and storing it on said server (4);

13-comparing, by means of said optimization unit (23), said at least one temperature detected for said current cycle with a preset temperature threshold,

14-sending to said control and maintenance operation center, by means of said optimization unit (23), a temperature alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container (20), if said at least one temperature detected is greater than said preset temperature threshold; wherein said expected filling parameter is further representative of the temperature detected by said temperature sensor (20).

10 . A method according to the preceding claim, wherein said system (100) comprises at least one control and maintenance operation center operatively connected to said optimization unit (23), wherein said device (1) comprises at least one humidity sensor (18) installed inside said container (20) and configured to detect at least one humidity level, over time, inside said container (20), said at least one humidity sensor (18) being operatively connected to said processor (3), wherein said method comprises the steps of: ml-detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), at least one humidity level for each filling cycle of said waste container (20), m2-sending to said server (4), by means of said monitoring device (1), each humidity level detected and stored on said server (4); m3-comparing, by means of said optimization unit (23), said at least one humidity level detected with a preset humidity threshold, m4- sending to said control and maintenance operation center, by means of said optimization unit (23), when said detected humidity level is greater than said preset humidity threshold, said humidity alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container (20) so as to program an inspection of the respective container (20); wherein said expected filling parameter is further representative of the humidity level detected by said humidity sensor (18).

11 . A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said system (100) comprises at least one control and maintenance operation center operatively connected to said optimization unit (23), wherein the device (1) comprises at least one accelerometer (19) configured for at least one acceleration change for each filling cycle of said waste container (20) and operatively connected to said processor (3), wherein said method comprises the steps of nl- detecting, in real time or at preset time intervals, by means of said monitoring device (1), said at least one acceleration change for each filling cycle of said waste container (20), n2-sending to said server (4), by means of said monitoring device (1), each acceleration change detected and stored on said server (4); n3- comparing, by means of said optimization unit (23), said at least one acceleration change with a preset acceleration change threshold, n4- sending to said control and maintenance operation center, by means of said optimization unit (23), a shock alarm signal associated with a geographical position of said container (20), when said at least one acceleration change is greater than said preset acceleration change threshold, so as to program an inspection of the respective container 20; wherein said expected filling parameter is further representative of the acceleration change detected by said device (1).

12 . A waste collection system (100) comprising:

- at least one server (4) operatively connected to each monitoring device (1),

- at least one waste collection optimization unit (23) operatively connected to said server (4) and to each monitoring device (1), at least one transport means (21) for collecting the waste from said plurality of waste containers (20), wherein said transport means (21) is operatively connected to said waste collection optimization unit (23) by means of a data receiving module (22), wherein each monitoring device (1) comprises

-data transceiver means (2) operatively connected to said server (4) for processing and storing data and to said optimization unit (23), -a processor (3) connected to said data transceiver means (2),

-at least one level sensor (5) for detecting, over time, a filling level of the respective waste container (20) and connected to said processor (3), wherein, in a filling cycle of each container (20), the filling level grows from a minimum filling level to at least one threshold filling level, wherein said waste collection system (100) is configured to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1.

13 . A waste collection system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said plurality of containers (20) comprises at least a first group of containers (24), wherein the monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) and/or of each container of said plurality of containers (20) comprises:

-an electromechanical lock (8) installed on the respective container

(20) configured to control the opening and closing of a door (27) of the respective container (20) for accessing a containment cavity of the container,

-a motor (9) configured to operate said electromechanical lock (8), wherein said motor (9) is connected to said processor (3) and to said electromechanical lock (8), wherein said optimization unit (23) is configured to communicate with each monitoring device (1) for locking and unlocking the respective electromechanical lock; wherein the processor (3) of each container of said at least a first group of containers (24) and/or of each container of said plurality of containers (20) is configured to actuate said electromechanical lock, wherein the processor (3) of each container of said at least a first group of containers (24) and/or of each container of said plurality of containers (20) is configured to avoid said filling level from being detected when the respective electromechanical lock (8) is active.

14 . A waste collection system (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one of the following features or a combination thereof: the containers of said at least first group of containers (24) are arranged one next to the other in a collecting zone; and/or and/or wherein wherein each monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) and/or of each container of said plurality of containers (20) comprises:

-a user identification unit (10) configured to receive a user recognition signal from a user who wants to dispose of a waste into the respective container (20), said user identification unit (10) being operatively connected to said processor (3), and/or wherein wherein each monitoring device (1) of each waste container of said at least a first group of containers (24) and/or of each container of said plurality of containers (20) comprises:

-a disposed waste identification unit (11) configured to detect a waste recognition signal from said at least one waste disposed of by said user, said disposed waste identification unit (11) being operatively connected to said processor (3).

15 . A waste collection system (100) according to the preceding claim from 12 to 14, comprising at least one of the following features or a combination thereof:

-wherein said data transceiver means (2) comprise a data transceiver module (6) and a GPS tracker (7) configured to detect at least one current geographical position of the respective waste container (20) for each filling cycle and/or wherein each monitoring device (1) comprises at least one container opening and closing detection sensor (12) for detecting the opening and closing of said aperture of said container (20), and/or wherein said at least one level sensor (5) is an ultrasound sensor and is arranged inside said container (20) secured to said container (20) in a central position with respect to an upper surface of said container (20).