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RFID WASTE MATERIAL COLLECTION SYSTEM

The invention relates to a refuse or recycled material collection system using RFID technology, an RFID tag is placed onto a plastic bin bag used for the collection of refuse or recycled material, the collector uses a hand held RFID reader to verify the tags, once this has been determined the collector places the bag (s) into the collection vehicle. The customer can order the tags by telephone or via a web site the tags are allocated to their account, all RFID tags are programmed with information regarding the type of waste that should be enclosed in the bags it also contains local authority property reference numbers which feature on all council tax bills, these tags can then be identified later if need be, the RFID tags can either be sent to the customer by mail or delivered by the collection vehicle or personally picked up from a designated collection point. There is minimal paper trail, with no extra invoicing and no expensive database for tracking the bags, thus reducing the amount of waste paper produced, the appropriate tags are only placed on the bags when they are put out for collection, all bags are tagged with colour coded RFID tags which have the local authority logo printed on them, each RFLD tag is visually identified by colour e.g.: red for food waste blue for refuse waste or yellow for recycled material, the system encourages recycling as recycled material is tagged separately and can be free of charge. It is also a quick and easy solution for the collector as there is no data handing, the customer only pays for the tags they have ordered in advance and this can cut down on excess waste produced because the customer can see how many chargeable tags are used. The local authority can operate a reward scheme for a household that produces less non-recyclable waste, this scheme can be based on the reduced cost of RFII) tag purchase, and increased cost for RFID tags purchased over a certain amount. Bags with RFII) tags can be read in all conditions e.g. whether the bag or RFID tag is covered in mud or immersed in water or placed in another container.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows domestic premises with refuse or recycled material bags with RFID tags being verified by hand held RFff) reader prior to collection, only verified bags are collected.

Figure 2 shows refuse or recycled material bags with RFID tag attached for verification prior to collection.

In figure 1 the system shows refuse bags 2 or recycled material bags 6 placed outside domestic premises I awaiting collection by verification of RFID tags 4 attached to refuse bags 2 or recycled material bags 6 an RFID reader 3 scans the refuse bags 2 or recycled material bags 6 before collection, only refuse bags 2 with RFID tags 4 will be collected by authorised refuse vehicles, recycled material bags 6 are collected separately or segregated in the collection vehicle.

Figure 2 shows a refuse bag 2 or recycled material bag 6 which has an RFID tag 4 attached by means of adhesive decoupler 5 the tag is scanned by a tag reader 3 which verifies the refuse bag 2 or recycled material bag 6 which is then collected for disposal, only refuse bags 2 or recycled material bags 6 with RFID tags 4 will be collected.