GB2488996A

GB2488996A - Refuse carrier tracking system

Info

Publication number: GB2488996A
Application number: GB1104212.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sam Marsh
Original assignee: IMP POLYTHENE PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: IMP POLYTHENE PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-11
Filing date: 2011-03-11
Publication date: 2012-09-19
Also published as: GB201104212D0

Abstract

A system for labelling and batching refuse carriers for tracking purposes comprises at least one carrier packaging unit (3) at which refuse carriers 5 are packaged for supply to distributors. The carrier packaging unit includes: a bar code printer 9 for applying carrier identifiers in the form of bar codes onto the refuse carriers, a first batching station 21 where carriers are collected into bundles 25, and a second barcode printer 29 for applying identifiers to the bundles. The packaging unit further comprises a second batching station 41 for boxing a number of bundles, a third barcode printer 49 for applying a second batch identifier to the boxes, a third batching station for placing the boxes on pallets and a fourth bar-code printer for applying a pallet identifier. Bar-codes are read and recorded during distribution and the ownership of the batches and carriers can be traced accordingly. An alternative where carrier identifiers are RFID tags instead of barcodes is also discussed.

Description

SYSTEM FOR AND_METHOD OF TRACKING WASTE CARRIERS

The present invention relates to a system for and method of tracking waste carriers, such as refuse or waste sacks, in particular for commercial, clinical, domestic and re-cycling waste.

Waste sacks are currently widely used in many environments, such as hospitals, local authorities and large corporations.

The present inventor has recognized that a particular problem associated with the distribution of waste sacks is the lack of traceability, and has developed an identification system which allows, for efficient distribution and traceability of waste sacks through associated inventories, enabling the efficient traceability of commercial, clinical, domestic and re-cycling waste.

In one aspect the present invention provides a refuse carrier tracking system, comprising: at least one carrier packaging unit at which refuse carriers are packaged for supply to distributors, the carrier packaging unit including: a carrier identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, a first batching station at which predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, are collected into first batches, a second batching station at which first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into second batches, at least one identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to the carriers, first batch identifiers to the first batches and second batch identifiers to the second batches, and a control unit for generating an inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers; and at least one distribution unit at which refuse carriers are distributed, the distribution unit including: storage in which the inventory schedule for a supplied second batch is stored, and at least one identifier reader for reading the second batch identifier, the first batch identifiers and the carrier identifiers, whereby S. * I *

S I S. I

I * II

supply of the second batch and the first batches is recorded, enabling ownership of the second batch, the first batches and the carriers to be determined.

In another aspect the present invention provides a carrier packaging unit at which refuse carriers are packaged for supply to distributors, the carrier packaging unit including: a carrier identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, a first batching station at which predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, are collected into first batches, a second batching station at which first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into second batches, at least one identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to the carriers, first batch identifiers to the first batches and second batch identifiers to the second batches, and a control unit for generating an inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a distribution unit at which refuse carriers are distributed, the distribution unit including: storage in which an inventory schedule for a supplied second batch of first batches of carriers is stored, the inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers, and at least one identifier reader for reading the second batch identifier, the first batch identifiers and the carrier identifiers, whereby supply of the second batch and the first batches is recorded, enabling ownership of the second batch, the first batches and the carriers to be determined.

S

S..... * .

In a yet further aspect the present invention provides a refuse carrier having an identifier applied thereto. ** *e * * * * S S. S S * S S S.

In a still yet further aspect the present invention provides a batch of refuse carriers, the carriers each having a carrier identifier applied thereto and the batch having a batch identifier applied thereto which identifies the carrier identifiers of the carriers in the batch.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a method of tracking refuse carriers, comprising the steps of: applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, collecting predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, into first batches, applying first batch identifiers to the first batches, the first batch identifiers identifying the carrier identifiers of the carriers of the respective first batches, collecting first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, into second batches, applying second batch identifiers to the second batches, the second batch identifiers identifying the first batch identifiers of the first batches of carriers of the respective second batches, generating inventory schedules, each comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers, distributing first batches of carriers to users, updating the inventory schedules associated with distributed first batches of carriers to record ownership of the distributed first batches, reading a carrier identifier from a located carrier, and determining ownership of the located carrier from the inventory schedules.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically represents a refuse carrier tracking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

S

* ** SSS * S Figure 2 illustrates a carrier packaging unit of the refuse carrier tracking system of Figure 1; and *S *S * . S * * 5 * S S S 55 Figure 3 illustrates a distribution unit of the refuse carrier tracking system of Figure 1.

The refuse carrier tracking system comprises at least one carrier packaging unit 3 at which waste carriers 5, in this embodiment plastic waste or refuse sacks, are packaged for supply to distributors.

Distributors can include, for example, retail outlets or refuse facilities, where waste sacks are purchased by users, hospitals where waste sacks are assigned to departments, or refuse collection services, where waste sacks are assigned to departments or to neigh bourhoods, streets or buildings.

The carrier packaging unit 3 includes a carrier identifier applicator 9 for applying a carrier identifier 15 to each refuse carrier 5, in this embodiment as conveyed on a conveyor 17.

In this embodiment the carrier identifier applicator 9 comprises a barcode applicator,and the carrier identifier 15 is a barcode. In this embodiment the barcode is a 1D barcode, but could take any other form, such as a 2D barcode.

In this embodiment the carrier identifier applicator 9 is a printer, such as an ink-jet printer, which prints the carrier identifier 15 directly onto the carrier 5, but in another embodiment the carrier identifier 15 could be applied indirectly onto a label which is then applied to the carrier 5.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a first batching station 21 at which a predetermined number of carriers 5 are collected into batches 25, in this embodiment bundles, such as to provide bundles 25 of carriers 5, each having an applied identifier 15. *. S. SI * * S S. *s * * * * S S. * * S S S 55

As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the number of carriers 5 in each carrier bundle 25 is determined in accordance with an order request, as specified by the client.

In this embodiment the carriers 5 in each carrier bundle 25 have the same carrier identifier 15 applied thereto. In an alternative embodiment the carriers 5 within a carrier bundle 25 could each have a unique carrier identifier 15.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a first batch identifier applicator 29 for applying a first batch identifier 31, in this embodiment a bundle identifier, to each carrier bundle 25. In this embodiment the first batch identifier applicator 29 is an integral part of the first batching station 21, but in another embodiment could be provided separately, such as by way of a hand-held unit.

In this embodiment the first batch identifier applicator 29 comprises a barcode applicator, and the bundle identifier 31 is a barcode. In this embodiment the barcode is a 1D barcode, but could take any other form, such as a 2D barcode.

In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 29 is a printer, such as an ink-jet printer, which prints the batch identifier 31 directly onto the carrier bundle 25, but in another embodiment the batch identifier 31 could be applied indirectly onto a label which is applied to the carrier bundle 25 or onto packaging containing the carrier bundle 25.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a second batching station 41 at which a predetermined number of carrier bundles 25 are collected into a second batch 43, in this embodiment as contained in a box 44, such as to provide second batches 43 of carrier bundles 25, each having a bundled batch identifier 31. 0 0 * * . * S

SS S S * S 50

As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the number of carrier bundles 25 in each box 44 is determined in accordance with an order request.

In this embodiment the carrier bundles 25 in each box 44 each have a unique bundled batch identifier 31.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a second batch identifier applicator 49 for applying a second batch identifier 51. to each box 44. In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 49 is an integral part of the second batching station 41, but in another embodiment could be provided separately, such as by way of a hand-held unit.

In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 49 comprises a barcode applicator, and the boxed batch identifier 51 is a barcode. In this embodiment the barcode is a 1D barcode, but could take any other form, such as a 2D barcode.

In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 49 is a printer, such as an ink-jet printer, which prints the boxed batch identifier 51 directly onto the box 44, but in another embodiment the boxed batch identifier 51 could be applied indirectly onto a label which is applied to the box 44.

The carrier packaging station 3 further comprises a third batching station 61 at which a predetermined number of boxed batches 43, as contained in boxes 44, are collected into a third batch 63, in this embodiment a pallet, such as to provide palleted batches 63 of boxes 44, each having a boxed batch identifier 51. * *

*:s* As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the number of boxed batches 43 in each palleted batch 63 is scheduled in accordance with an * * order request. ** S.

* a * -

S

SS S

S S S 5.0

In this embodiment the boxes 44 of the boxed batches in each palleted batch 63 each have a unique palleted batch identifier 65.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a third batch identifier applicator 69 for applying a third, palleted batch identifier 71 to each palleted batch 63. In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 69 is an integral part of the third, pallet batching station 61, but in another embodiment could be provided separately, such as by way of a hand-held unit.

In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 69 comprises a barcode applicator, and the palleted batch identifier 71 is a barcode. In this embodiment the barcode is a ID barcode, but could take any other form, such as a 2D barcode.

In this embodiment the batch identifier applicator 69 is a printer, such as an ink-jet printer, which prints the palleted batch identifier 71 directly onto the palleted batch 63, but in another embodiment the palleted batch identifier 71 could be applied indirectly onto a label which is applied to the palleted batch 63.

The carrier packaging unit 3 further comprises a control station 81, which controls operation of the carrier identifier applicator 9 and associated conveyor 17, the first batching station 21 and each of the batch applicators 29, 49, 69.

In this embodiment the control station 81 includes storage 82 in which order manifests and batch inventories are stored, a user interface 83 by which an operator can control operation of the carrier packaging unit 3, in compliance with order manifests. As will be as will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, order manifests identify the number of carriers 5 per bundled *. ..

* batch 25, the number of bundled batches 25 per boxed batch 43 and the number of boxed batches 43 per palleted batch 63. As will be apparent, the e Id * * I* I

S S S S *(,

present invention allows for control of the number of carriers S in each bundled batch 25, the number and kind of bundled batches 25 in a boxed batch 43 and the number and kind of boxed batches 43 in a palleted batch 63.

In one embodiment the order manifests can be input manually by an operator.

In alternative embodiments the order manifests can be downloaded by the operator as an electronic file or uploaded by the distributor placing the order.

In operation, the carrier packaging unit 3 is operated in compliance with an order manifest to provide a palleted batch 63 having the prescribed number of boxed batches 43, which each contain the prescribed bundled batches 25, which in turn each contain the prescribed carriers 5. Each palleted batch 63 has an assigned palleted batch identifier 71 which identifies the boxed batches 43 within that palleted batch 63. Each boxed batch 43 has an assigned boxed batch identifier 51 which identifies the bundled batches 25 within that boxed batch 43. Each bundled batch 25 has an assigned bundled batch identifier 31 which identifies the carriers 5 within that bundled batch 25.

Following completion of the palleted batch 63, the control unit 81 provides an inventory schedule, in this embodiment as a database file, which can be populated by the distributor of the carriers 5 as and when the carriers 5, in this embodiment in the form of bundled batches 25 or boxed batches 34, are distributed, in order to maintain an inventory of the distributed carriers 5, and thereby subsequently enable ownership of any carrier 5 to be traced.

* ** * .* In this embodiment the inventory schedule is embedded in the palleted * * batch identifier 71. I. St S. S

S S S. S S *S 5) -g-

in an alternative embodiment the inventory schedule could be downloaded by the distributor.

In an alternative embodiment, where only a single boxed batch 43 is required by a distributor, the carrier packaging unit 3 can be operated to provide only a boxed batch 43, which each contain the prescribed bundled batches 25, which in turn each contain the prescribed carriers 5. Each boxed batch 43 has an assigned boxed batch identifier 51 which identifies the bundled batches 25 within that boxed batch 43. Each bundled batch 25 has an assigned bundled batch identifier 31 which identifies the carriers 5 within that bundled batch 25.

The refuse carrier tracking system further comprises at least one, in this embodiment a plurality of distribution units °3L 2, 3 -, at which refuse carriers 5 are distributed to suppliers or direct users, in this embodiment in bundled batches 25 or boxed batches 43, and the distribution of the bundled batches 25 and boxed batches 43 recorded in the respective inventory schedule.

In this embodiment the distribution units 103k, 2, 3, each comprise a control station 105 which controls operation of the respective distribution unit 1031,2,3 In this embodiment the control station 105 includes storage 107 in which order manifests and inventory schedules for each supplied palleted batch 63 or boxed batch 43 are stored, a user interface i09 by which an operator can control operation of the respective distribution unit 103k, 2, 3, and at least S... S* * . one identifier reader 111, 115 for reading the palleted batch identifier 71 S.....

* from a supplied palleted batch 63, the boxed batch identifier from a supplied boxed batch 43, the carrier bundle identifier 31 from a carrier bundle 23 or the carrier identifier 15 from a carrier 5. ** S. *0 * * S S. S S S* S *S

-10 -In operation, following supply of a palleted batch 63 or boxed batch 43, the distributor, using the identifier reader 111, 115, reads the palleted batch identifier 71 from a supplied palleted batch 63 or the boxed batch identifier 51 from a supplied boxed batch 43.

In this embodiment, where the inventory schedule is embedded in the palleted batch identifier 71 or the boxed batch identifier 51, the inventory schedule is loaded into the storage 107.

In an alternative embodiment the inventory schedule can be downloaded, typically over the internet, using the palleted batch identifier 71 or the boxed batch identifier 51 as an address pointer. In one embodiment the palleted batch identifier 71 or the boxed batch identifier 51 could include an embedded web address from which the inventory schedule is downloaded.

In subsequent operation, as carrier bundles 25 or boxed batches 43 are distributed, the distributor reads the carrier bundle identifier 31 of a carrier bundle 25 if only a carrier bundle 25 is being distributed or the boxed batch identifier 51 of a boxed batch 43 if a boxed batch 43 is being distributed.

Following this reading of the carrier bundle 25 or the boxed batch 43, the distributor is prompted to complete details of the person being supplied with the carrier bundle 25 or the boxed bundle 43, such as to populate the inventory schedule and enable ownership of the carriers 5 within the supplied carrier bundle 25 or the boxed batch 43 subsequently to be traced.

In this embodiment the control station 105 comprises at least one portable identifier reader 115, typically a hand-held unit, which enables the carrier * identifier 15 from a carrier S to be read and the owner to be determined * *** 0 * from the inventory schedule. * S. *1 S * S

In this embodiment the portable identifier reader 115 is wirelessly connected to the distribution station, such as by a wireless communications network -11 - 117, for example, GSM, CDMA or WIFI, whereby the owner of the carrier 5 can be immediately determined.

In an alternative embodiment the portable identifier reader 115 could be dockable to the control station 105, whereby the owner of the carrier 5 can be determined from the read carrier identifier 15 following docking.

In an alternative embodiment the portable identifier reader 115 could download any available inventory schedules when docked to the control station 105, whereby the owner of the carrier 5 can be immediately determined from the stored inventory schedules.

In this embodiment the portable identifier reader 115 includes a camera 121 for enabling an image of the carrier 5 to be obtained, which can be supplied to the owner of the carrier 5 in order to evidence the existence of an offending carrier 5.

In this way, the owners of offending carriers 5 can be identified and notified.

Where rectification is required in respect of an offending carrier 5 or a fine is to be attributed to the owner of an offending carrier 5, the image of the carrier 5 could be included in this notification.

Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiments and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

* * For example, in one modification, the carrier identifier 15 could instead be a ****** * 1 wireless tag, such as an RFID tag. This arrangement has the particular advantage that there is no need for the identifier 15 to be visually located, which, for example, allows the use of an RFID reader on a refuse vehicle and so enabling the monitoring of refuse usage. S. Is * * * * I I. * * . S * Is

Claims

-12 -CLAIMS1. A refuse carrier tracking system, comprising: at least one carrier packaging unit at which refuse carriers are packaged for supply to distributors, the carrier packaging unit including: a carrier identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, a first batching station at which predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, are collected into first batches, a second batching station at which first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into second batches, at least one identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to the carriers, first batch identifiers to the first batches and second batch identifiers to the second batches, and a control unit for generating an inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers; and at least one distribution unit at which refuse carriers are distributed, the distribution unit including: storage in which the inventory schedule for a supplied second batch is stored, and at least one identifier reader for reading the second batch identifier, the first batch identifiers and the carrier identifiers, S.....* . whereby supply of the second batch and the first batches is * S. * *.* recorded, enabling ownership of the second batch, the first batches and the carriers to be determined.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks.

-13 -
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the identifiers comprise barcodes.
4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first batches comprise bundles of carriers.
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second batches comprise boxes of bundled carriers.
6. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the second batch identifier.
7. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one carrier packaging unit further includes: a third batching station at which second batches, each having second batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into third batches; and the at least one identifier applicator applies third batch identifiers to the third batches, and the inventory schedule comprises a third batch identifier and second batch identifiers associated with the third batch identifier.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the third batches comprise pallets of boxes of bundled carriers.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the third batch identifier.S* e *i*.*
10. A carrier packaging unit at which refuse carriers are packaged for * .*sS * supply to distributors, the carrier packaging unit including: a carrier identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, SS *e * * * * * S. SS S S S.

-14 -a first batching station at which predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, are collected into first batches, a second batching station at which first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into second batches, at least one identifier applicator for applying carrier identifiers to the carriers, first batch identifiers to the first batches and second batch identifiers to the second batches, and a control unit for generating an inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers.
11. The packaging unit of claim 10, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks.
12. The packaging unit of claim 19 or 11,. wherein the identifiers comprise barcodes.
13. The packaging unit of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first batches comprise bundles of carriers.
14. The packaging unit of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second batches comprise boxes of bundled carriers.
15. The packaging unit of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the second batch identifier.
16. The packaging unit of any of claims 10 to 15, further including: a third batching station at which second batches, each having second batch identifiers applied thereto, are collected into third batches; and -15 -wherein the at least one identifier applicator applies third batch identifiers to the third batches, and the inventory schedule comprises a third batch identifier and second batch identifiers associated with the third batch identifier.
17. The packaging unit of claim 16, wherein the third batches comprise pallets of boxes of bundled carriers.
18. The packaging unit of claim 17, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the third batch identifier.
19. A distribution unit at which refuse carriers are distributed, the distribution unit including: storage in which an inventory schedule for a supplied second batch of first batches of carriers is stored, the inventory schedule comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers, and at least one identifier reader for reading the second batch identifier, the first batch identifiers and the carrier identifiers, whereby supply of the second batch and the first batches is recorded, enabling ownership of the second batch, the first batches and the carriers to be determined.
20. The distribution unit of claim 19, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks.

*
21. The distribution unit of claim 19 or 20, wherein the identifiers * 0.*i * comprise barcodes. ** ** * , * * *
22. The distribution unit of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the first batches comprise bundles of carriers. -16
23. The distribution unit of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second batches comprise boxes of bundled carriers.
24. The distribution unit of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the second batch identifier.
25. The distribution unit of any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the inventory schedule further comprises a third batch identifier and second batch identifiers associated with the third batch identifier.
26. The distribution unit of claim 25, wherein the third batches comprise pallets of boxes of bundled carriers.
27. The distribution unit of claim 26, wherein the inventory schedule is embedded in the third batch identifier.
28. A refuse carrier having an identifier applied thereto.
29. The carrier of claim 28, wherein the carrier comprises a waste sack.
30. The carrier of claim 28 or 29, wherein the identifier comprises a barcode.
31. A batch of refuse carriers, the carriers each having a carrier identifier applied thereto and the batch having a batch identifier applied thereto which identifies the carrier identifiers of the carriers in the batch.S.....
32. The batch of claim 31, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks. *0 * S * *
33. The batch of claim 31 or 32, wherein the identifiers comprise a barcode. *. * * . * S S. S * SS S **

-17 -
34. The batch of any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the batch is a bundle.
35. A first batch of second batches of refuse carriers, the carriers each having a carrier identifier applied thereto, the second batches having second batch identifiers applied thereto which identify the carrier identifiers of the carriers in the respective second batches, and the first batch having a first batch identifier applied thereto which identifies the second batch identifiers of the second batches of carriers.
36. The batch of claim 35, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks.
37. The batch of claim 35 or 36, wherein the identifiers comprise a barcode.
38. The batch of any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the second batches are bundles.
39. The batch of any of claims 35 to 38, wherein the first batch is a box.
40. A first batch of second batches of third batches of refuse carriers, the carriers each having a carrier identifier applied thereto, the third batches having third batch identifiers applied thereto which identify the carrier identifiers of the carriers in the respective third batches, the second batches having second batch identifiers applied thereto which identify the third batches of carriers in the respective second batches, and the first batch having a first batch identifier applied thereto which identifies the second batch identifiers of the second * S.....batches of carriers. *s ** * I I * I
41. The batch of claim 40, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks. S. St * I I * S *5 I * S I * *I

-18 -
42. The batch of claim 40 or 41, wherein the identifiers comprise a barcode.
43. The batch of any of claims 40 to 43, wherein the third batches are bundles.
44. The batch of any of claims 40 to 43, wherein the second batches are boxes.
45. The batch of any of claims 40 to 44, wherein the first batch is a pal let.
46. A method of tracking refuse carriers, comprising the steps of: applying carrier identifiers to refuse carriers, collecting predetermined numbers of carriers, each having carrier identifiers applied thereto, into first batches, applying first batch identifiers to the first batches, the first batch identifiers identifying the carrier identifiers of the carriers of the respective first batches, collecting first batches of carriers, each having first batch identifiers applied thereto, into second batches, applying second batch identifiers to the second batches, the second batch identifiers identifying the first batch identifiers of the first batches of carriers of the respective second batches, generating inventory schedules, each comprising a second batch identifier, first batch identifiers associated with the second batch identifier and carrier identifiers associated with the first batch identifiers * no. distributing first batches of carriers to users, ** *.* .u updating. the inventory schedules associated with distributed first batches of carriers to record ownership of the distributed first batches *s * reading a carrier identifier from a located carrier, and -is -determining ownership of the located carrier from the inventory schedules.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the carriers comprise waste sacks.
48. A refuse carrier tracking, system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
49. A carrier packaging unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
50. A distribution unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
51. A refuse carrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
52. A method of tracking refuse carriers substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * .en e cC * C *s ** -* * S * * U. cc * S U * 1 S. * * S *S SC