JP2002318847A - Recycling and collecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recycling collecting system and a collecting device capable of collecting recycled articles at an adequate timing. SOLUTION: The recycling and collecting system includes a step for housing the recycled articles such as a packaging container or the like in a collecting unit, a step for integrating a weight of the recycled articles housed in the collecting unit by a collection integrating means, a step for transmitting data integrated by the collection integrating means from a data transmitting part, a step for receiving data transmitted from the data transmitting part, a step for collecting the recycled articles, which are housed in the collecting unit and of which data is transmitted, on the basis of the data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention particularly relates to receiving recycled products such as packaging containers such as plastic bottles and food trays from customers and storing the recycled products in a collection company, a reuse company, or a packaging container. The present invention relates to a recycling collection system to be delivered to a product manufacturer or a seller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a PET bottle which is advantageous as a food and drink container is not sufficiently reused although it can be reused. This is due to the fact that shapes and capacities are diverse and unified, and that the material is easily damaged and the number of reuses is limited for food hygiene,
In addition, collection is not sufficiently performed due to bulkiness and the like. On the other hand, in the case of reusing by reworking, it is necessary to separate according to the material and the presence or absence of coloring, and it is necessary that dangerous substances are not mixed. In addition, it is extremely difficult to sort recycled products indiscriminately collected in a state where they are crushed and deformed or stained and discolored after collection, and there is a high possibility that foreign matters and dangerous substances are included. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the recycled products in an appropriate state and store them in a collection unit in a separated state.

[0003]

However, even if the recycled products collected in this manner are not collected at an appropriate timing, the collection of the recycled products is hindered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a recycling system and a collecting apparatus which can collect recycled products at an appropriate timing.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recycling and collecting system for storing a recycled product such as a packaging container in a collecting unit, and weighing the recycled product stored in the collecting unit. Integrating the data by the collection integration means, transmitting the data integrated by the collection integration means from the data transmission unit, and receiving the data transmitted from the data transmission unit,
Collecting the recycled product stored in the collection unit to which the data was transmitted based on the data. The recycling and collecting system of the present invention according to claim 2 includes a step of storing a recycled product such as a packaging container in a collecting unit, and a step of integrating the weight of the recycled product stored in the collecting unit by a collection integrating means. Transmitting the data integrated by the collection integration means from a data transmission unit; receiving the data transmitted from the data transmission unit; and the collection unit having a predetermined amount of storage based on the data. And a step of transmitting collection information relating to the collection unit that has entered the storage state of the predetermined amount to the collection company, and the collection company that has received the collection information has entered the storage state of the predetermined amount. The recycling unit collects recycled products. 4. The recycling and collecting system according to claim 3, wherein the receiving unit receives data obtained by integrating the weights of the recycled products stored in the collecting unit, and the collecting unit is placed in a predetermined amount based on the data. Determining a request, and inquiring a demand for a request for the recycled product to a recycler,
Receiving a demand request for the recycled product from the recycler, and transmitting collection information on the collection unit in a predetermined storage state and delivery destination information on the recycler having a demand request to a collection company. And recycling the collected unit of the collection unit, which has been stored in a predetermined amount by the collection company, to the reuse company having demand. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recycling collection system according to any one of the first to third aspects, in the collection unit, the recycled product is accommodated by a manufacturer or a seller, and The weight of the recycled product is integrated for each manufacturer or seller, and the data integrated by the collection and integration means is transmitted from a data transmission unit for each manufacturer or seller. 6. The collection device according to claim 5, wherein the collection unit stores a recycled product such as a packaging container, a collection integration unit configured to integrate the weight of the recycled product stored in the collection unit, and the collection integration unit. A data transmitting unit that transmits the data integrated in step 1, a reader / writer that recognizes the card held by the customer and writes the amount or points for the recycled product on the card, and that the recycled product is put into the collection unit. When detecting
A display unit for changing display contents when the card is recognized by the reader / writer. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the collection device according to the fifth aspect, an advertisement relating to the manufacturer or the seller determined by the determining unit has a determination unit for determining a manufacturer or a seller of the recycled product. Is displayed on the display means for a predetermined time after the determination. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the collection device according to the sixth aspect, the determination unit is performed by reading a bar code displayed on the recycled product.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a recycling and collecting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, when a recycled product such as a packaging container is stored in a collecting unit, the weight of the recycled product is integrated by a collection integrating means. The data integrated by the collection integration means is transmitted from the data transmission unit. Then, the data transmitted from the data transmission unit is received, and based on the data, the recycle product stored in the collection unit to which the data is transmitted is collected. According to the present embodiment, the collection time can be accurately grasped by integrating the weight of the recycled product, and the collection work of the recycled product can be performed at an appropriate timing.

In a recycling and collecting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, when a recycled product such as a packaging container is stored in a collecting unit, the weight of the recycled product is integrated by a collecting and integrating means. The integrated data is transmitted from the data transmission unit. Then, based on the data transmitted from the data transmission unit, the collection unit in the storage state of the predetermined amount is determined, and the collection information on the collection unit in the storage state of the predetermined amount is transmitted to the collection company. Therefore, the collection company that has received the collection information can collect the recycled product at a proper timing from the collection unit in the storage state of the predetermined amount. According to the present embodiment, it is necessary to determine the storage state of each collection unit and to provide the collection information to the collection company, so that the collection amount is constant and efficient collection is performed. Can be.

[0008] The recycling and collecting system according to the third embodiment of the present invention receives data obtained by integrating the weights of the recycled products stored in the collecting unit, and a predetermined amount of stored data is stored based on this data. Determine the collection unit. In addition, it inquires of the recycler about the demand for the recycled product, and receives the demand for the recycled product from the recycler. Then, the collection unit transmits the collection information on the collection unit in the storage state of the predetermined amount and the delivery destination information on the reuse company having the demand request to the collection company. As a result, the collection company recycles the collected units of the collection unit in a predetermined amount to the reuse company having demand. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the storage state of each collection unit is determined,
In addition, since the information is provided to the collection company after grasping the demand demand of the reuse company, the collected recycled products can be efficiently delivered to the reuse company.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the recycling and collecting system according to any one of the first and third embodiments, in the collecting unit, the recycled product is accommodated for each manufacturer or seller, and the collection and integration is performed. In the means, the weight of the recycled product is integrated for each manufacturer or seller, and the data integrated by the collection integration means is transmitted from the data transmission unit for each manufacturer or seller. According to the present embodiment, by providing pickup information for each manufacturer or seller, it is possible to charge each manufacturer or seller, for example, for the cost of collecting recycled products.

A collection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a collection unit for storing recycled products such as packaging containers, a collection and accumulation means for integrating the weight of the recycled products stored in the collection unit, A data transmission unit for transmitting the data accumulated by the accumulation means, a reader / writer for recognizing the card held by the customer and writing the amount or points for the recycled product on the card, and detecting that the recycled product has been put into the collection unit. Display means for changing the display content when the card is recognized by a reader / writer. According to the present embodiment, the collection time can be accurately grasped by integrating the weight of the recycled product, and the collection work of the recycled product can be performed at an appropriate timing. Further, by changing the display content of the display means at the timing of the collection of the recycled product, it is possible to visually provide, for example, a message regarding the recycling collection to the customer.

According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a recovery apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, further comprising a determination unit for determining a manufacturer or a seller of the recycled product, and the manufacturer determined by the determination unit. Alternatively, an advertisement relating to the seller is displayed on the display means for a predetermined time after the determination. According to the present embodiment, by displaying an advertisement relating to a manufacturer or a seller of a collected recycled product, it is easy to obtain the cooperation of the manufacturer or the seller with respect to the collection of the recycled product. To the manufacturer or seller.

According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the collection device according to the sixth embodiment, the determination means is performed by reading a bar code displayed on a recycled product. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to discriminate a manufacturer or a product by effectively utilizing information of a barcode.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a recycling and collecting system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing the functions of a recycling product recovery apparatus according to the present embodiment. The collection device 10 includes a collection unit 11 and a data processing unit 20.
And a user interface unit 21.
The collection unit 11 includes a barcode reader 12 that reads a barcode displayed on a container (recycled product) such as a PET bottle or a can, a washing machine 13 that cleans a recycled product,
Mass measuring means 14 for measuring the mass of the recycled product, processing means 15 for cutting the recycled product, storage means 16 for storing the recycled product, businesses that are manufacturers or sellers of the recycled product, plastic bottles that are the recycled product, Determining means 18 for determining the type of can or whether it is a recycled product,
Storage means 17 for storing the contents of the barcode displayed on the recycled product and information on the material and mass of the PET bottle associated with the contents of the barcode, and determination means 18
If it is determined that the product is a recycled product to be stored in the bar code reader 12, the manufacturer /
A manufacturer / seller-specific collection accumulating means 19 for accumulating collection information for each seller is provided. In addition, it is preferable to have a discharge port for discharging a recycle product whose barcode could not be determined or which was found to be out of the storage target as a result of reading the barcode. As processing means 15,
In addition to the cutting machine, a pulverizer or a compressor may be used. The method is not limited to a physical treatment method, but may be a means for performing a chemical treatment by heating or using a solution. Storage means 16
Is preferably composed of a plurality of storage boxes. Then, according to the result determined by the determination means 18, it is preferable to sort the product by manufacturer, seller, item, type, material, shape, or color. It can also be sorted by collection company or reuse company.

The data processing unit 20 includes a card reading unit 20A for reading contents stored in a point card, for example, a rewritable card, a card writing unit 20B for writing data on the point card, a customer identification code read from the point card, A data registration / transfer unit 20C for storing new data relating to the recycled product and transmitting the data to the outside using a communication means or a storage medium. The user interface unit 21 includes, for example, a display unit using a monitor, an audio output unit that outputs audio, a printing unit such as a printer, and an input operation unit using keys and a touch panel. In a normal state in which the operation of collecting the recycled product is not performed, an advertisement screen 21A for introducing a shop advertisement of a local shopping district, a local industry, or a special product is displayed on the display unit. Also this advertising screen 2
1A is, for example, a game screen 2 at the time of a recycled product collection operation.
1B or the screen 21C. As an example, when a point card is recognized by the card reading unit 20A and a recycled product is recognized by the barcode reader 12, the display is changed to a video screen 21C so that communication that makes you feel good is performed. When the barcode reader 12 recognizes a recycled product without inserting the point card into the card reading unit 20A, the display is changed to the game screen 21B. For example, video screen 2
In the case of 1C, words of compliment or excitement such as "The Earth is pleased", "The city is beautiful", or "I cherished resources" are shown by the animation character and the video and sound of the star. Is output. It also outputs images of world heritage and nature. In addition, it may be configured to output a company or product advertisement relating to the manufacturer or seller of the input recycled product identified by the barcode. Then, after outputting predetermined video and audio on the video screen 21, point accumulation display 21F is performed.
On the other hand, if there is no point card, the game screen 21
The game is output in B, and a winning display 21D is performed when a winner or a winning of the game is allocated. Then, in the case of the hit display 21D or the point accumulation display 21B
When the predetermined points have been accumulated, a service ticket is output by the printing means. The service ticket here is, for example, a 200 yen cash voucher of ABC store, 1
It is preferable to use a ticket such as a 0% discount ticket or a free coffee ticket that can be used at the local store or a product exchange ticket handled by the manufacturer or seller of the recycled product to be collected. The collection device 10 according to the present embodiment can effectively function the collection system for recycled products by being combined with an automatic vending function for PET bottles and cans, or by being installed alongside these vending machines.

[0015] A customer who is a consumer of the product transports the recycled PET bottles and cans to the collection device 10.
At this time, the customer brings a point card in which a unique identification number is stored in advance together with the recycled product.
When the customer brings the point card, the customer first attaches the point card to the card reading unit 20A.
The customer identification code (ID) of the point card is checked by the card reading unit 20A. The customer who brought the point card inserts the brought plastic bottle or the like from the slot after inserting the point card into the card reading unit 20A. In addition, customers who do not have a loyalty card insert their brought plastic bottles through the slot. The bar code reader 12 reads the bar code of the input recycled product. The weight of the recycled product subjected to the barcode check is measured by the mass measuring unit 14 after being washed by the washing machine 13. Then, the information determined by the barcode reader 12 and the data obtained by the mass measuring means 14 are checked between the registered data stored in the storage means 17 in advance. The check performed here is performed by judging whether or not the PET bottle is registered in advance as a recycled product, and comparing the registered mass with the measured mass of whether or not a foreign substance is mixed.
Then, in this check, if it is determined that the PET bottle is a pre-registered PET bottle and there is no foreign matter,
Recycled goods are sorted into pre-registered categories and points are issued to customers. Here, the classification registered in advance is, for example, a classification by manufacturer or seller, or a classification by material or color. It is advantageous in the case of reuse that it is classified by manufacturer and seller, and further classified by material and color. The separated recycled products are stored in a storage box according to the classification after being subjected to a cutting process in the processing unit 15. The issued points are newly written on the customer's point card. In addition, the customer ID read from the point card, the information on the stored recycled products, and the newly issued points are registered as data in the data registration / transfer unit 20C, and are transferred to the outside. Where the manufacturer /
The collection-accumulated data for each seller may be transmitted periodically or may be transferred when the storage amount reaches a predetermined storage amount. In the above embodiment, the case where the customer ID is stored in the point card has been described.
A card that does not store D but simply rewrites only the number of points may be used.

Next, a system for collecting recycled products collected by the collecting apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the recycling and collecting system according to the present embodiment. Each collection device 10 is connected to a server 22 of a courier company, a server 23 of an operator, a server 24 of a manufacturer / seller, and a server 25 of a re-use company via communication means such as the Internet or a telephone line. ing. Here, the home delivery company is a person who fulfills the function of collecting the recycled products collected by the collection device 10 and delivers it to the reuse company, and the operator is a person who fulfills the operation management function of the collection device 10. The recycler refers to a manufacturer or a seller of the recycled product to be collected by the collection device 10, and the recycler refers to a company that reuses or recycles the recycled product. As in the above embodiment, the collection device 1
From 0, the data integrated by the collection integration means 19 is transmitted periodically or when a predetermined amount of storage is reached. The data transmitted from the collection device 10 is not only received directly by the courier server 22 but also transmitted from the operator server 23 to the courier server 22 after being received by the operator server 23. There may be. Further, the data transmitted from the collection device 10 is transmitted directly to the server 23 of the operator after being received by the server 23 of the operator, or the data transmitted from the collection device 10 is directly transmitted to the server 23 of the operator, or the server of the operator. After being received at 23, the information may be provided so as to be browsed on the server 25 of the reuse company. That is, when the data transmitted from the collection device 10 is directly received by the server 22 of the home delivery company, the recycling collection system according to the present embodiment transmits the data integrated by the collection integration unit from the data transmission unit. Receiving the data transmitted from the data transmitting unit by the server 22, and recovering the recycled product stored in the collection device 10 to which the data has been transmitted based on the received data by using a transportation means by a delivery company. Is realized from the steps. When the data transmitted from the collection device 10 is received by the server 23 of the operator and then transmitted from the server 23 of the operator to the server 22 of the home delivery company, the recycling and collection system according to the present embodiment includes Transmitting the data integrated from the data transmission unit from the data transmission unit, receiving the data transmitted from the data transmission unit by the server 23, and collecting the collected data in the server 23 in a predetermined amount based on the received data. Discriminating, a step of transmitting collection information on the collection device that has been placed in a predetermined amount from the server 23 to the server 22, and a collection device that has received the collection information and has been placed in the storage amount of a predetermined amount. And a step in which a home delivery company collects recycled products by using a transportation means. As described above, the home delivery company determines that the collection device 1 in the storage state of the predetermined amount based on the storage data of the recycled product from the collection device 10.
Collection is performed by circulating through 0 and delivered to a preset reuse company. In addition, delivery can be made in response to a demand request from a reuse company. That is, it is possible to inquire of a recycler in advance about a demand for a recycled product, and to receive a demand for a recycled product from the recycler, thereby realizing the delivery of the recycled product according to the request. In the present embodiment, the home delivery company, the operator, and the manufacturer / seller are described as being independent of each other. However, the operator and the home agent, the operator and the manufacturer / seller, the home agent and the manufacturer are provided. / Seller, courier service, operator, and manufacturer / seller may be the same.

As described above, the state of accommodation in each collection device 10 is grasped by using the network, and the home delivery company collects the recycled products from the information on the accommodation state. It is possible to collect recycled products. In particular, since the storage status of each collection device 10 can be grasped, the amount of collected cargo can be grasped in advance, and a stable recycled product can be provided. Further, by transmitting the data integrated by the collection integration means 20 for each manufacturer or seller, it is possible to charge each manufacturer or seller, for example, for the cost of collecting recycled products. . The server of the operator performs maintenance of this system and totals various data. Here, as maintenance of the system, for example, change and addition of the point exchange coefficient depending on the type of the recycled product, the content of the barcode such as a PET bottle, and the related data such as the color and weight of the product specified by the barcode are described. There are changes and additions. In addition, as various data aggregation,
For example, there is a tally of recycled products and a tally of the number of issued points.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a recycled product such as a packaging container is received from a customer, and the recycled product is collected, a recycled product recycling company, or a product manufactured in a packaging container or the like. The system for collecting recycled products to be passed on to sellers or sellers can be performed smoothly. The bar code reader 12 described in the above embodiment is used.
In place of the above, a recycled product may be determined from the shape and material using various sensors. Further, the present invention is not limited to the barcode, and may be a type for determining the type and material of the recycled product. In addition, a recycle product that includes the collection cost is provided with an identification mark that identifies the product as a specific recycle product, for example, an identification label or an uneven shape for identification. It is preferable to display the information and determine the display by the determination means. In addition, the determination means 18 may determine a manufacturer, a seller, an item, a type, a material, a mass, a shape, or a color, in addition to the determination contents in the above embodiment. In the system of the present embodiment, the collection of the PET bottle can be promoted without impairing the convenience of the PET bottle excellent in functionality as a container because it is light and has no fear of breaking.

In this embodiment, the case where customer identification data (registration ID), the number of points, and the like are stored in the point card has been described. However, only the customer identification data is stored in the point card, and the number of points is stored in the point card. The information may be stored in the server 23 of the operator. In this case, the server 2 of the operator is accessed by the access from the collection device 10.
Read the data from # 3. The point card or the server 23 of the operator may store the start date of use of the point card, the latest use date and time, the number of times of recycling, the number of points at the latest use, and the total number of points. When a rewrite card is used, the registration ID, the use start date, the latest use date and time, the number of times of recycling, the number of points at the latest use, and the total number of points are displayed in a rewritable manner. However, when using such a rewrite card, in addition to rewriting all items, the registration ID and the start date of use are written at the time of card issuance, and thereafter, the latest use date and time, the number of uses of each recycling,
A method of rewriting only the number of points at the latest use and the total number of points may be used. A simple card that simply stores the number of points may be used. It is preferable that the area to be advertised and the service ticket available area displayed by the display means be the same as the point card issuing area or the usable area.
By setting the recycling and collection system for a specific area in this way, it is possible to prevent unjustified carry-in of recycled products from outside the area, and to construct a unique recycling and collection system for each area. In the display means,
It is preferable to be able to selectively display timetable guides indicating train and bus operations, information guides such as sales items and events at stores such as department stores and public facilities such as parks. Further, it is preferable that each collection device is owned and operated by a plurality of owners through purchase, leasing, or rental. In this way, by having multiple collection devices owned by multiple owners, it becomes possible for the owner to own multiple collection devices at the expense of a single device. realizable.

[0020]

As is clear from the description of the above embodiment,
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, collection time can be grasped | ascertained accurately by integrating the weight of a recycled product, and the collection | recovery work of a recycled product can be performed at an appropriate timing. In addition, according to the present invention, by providing pickup information for each manufacturer or seller, for example, billing for collection of recycled products,
This can be done for each manufacturer or seller. According to the present invention, since the separation is performed in the initial stage of the collection, it is possible to perform processing such as cutting at an early stage,
The demand for recycling is increased because the quality of the crushed material is clear. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to aim at raising the awareness of the ejector by using the card and making it returnable, streamlining the collection of containers, and further expanding the use of recycled products. Further, according to the present invention, by classifying by producer, producers can tend to use materials suitable for recycling containers and accessories, and a cycle system desirable for a recycling-oriented society can be constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing functions of a recycling product collecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a recycling collection system according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Collection | collection apparatus 11 Collection | collection unit 12 Barcode reader 13 Washing machine 14 Mass measuring means 15 Processing means 16 Storage means 17 Storage means 18 Judgment means 19 Manufacturer / seller collection | collection accumulation means 20 Data processing part 21 User interface part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiaki Sakamoto 6-2-61, Imafukunishi, Joto-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Matsushita Seiko Co., Ltd. 3E025 CA01 CA02 CA03 EA03 EB08 4D004 AA07 DA16

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A step of accommodating a recycled product such as a packaging container in a collection unit, a step of integrating the weight of the recycled product accommodated in the collection unit by a collection integration means, and integrating the weight by the collection integration means. Transmitting data from a data transmission unit; receiving data transmitted from the data transmission unit; and collecting a recycled product contained in the collection unit to which the data was transmitted based on the data. And a recycling collection system. 2. A step of accommodating a recycled product such as a packaging container in a collection unit, a step of integrating the weight of the recycled product accommodated in the collection unit by a collection integration means, and the step of integrating the weight by the collection integration means. Transmitting data from a data transmitting unit, receiving the data transmitted from the data transmitting unit, determining the collection unit in a storage state of a predetermined amount based on the data, Transmitting collection information on the collection unit in the storage state to the collection company, and receiving the collection information by the collection company to recycle a predetermined amount of the collection unit in the storage state. A recycling system characterized by the collection of waste. 3. A step of receiving data obtained by integrating the weights of the recycled products stored in the collection unit, a step of determining the collection unit in a storage state of a predetermined amount based on the data, and a step of reuse. Inquiring a demand request for the recycled product from a recycler, receiving a demand request for the recycled product from the recycler, collecting information and a demand for the collection unit in a predetermined storage state. Transmitting the delivery destination information about the reusable trader to a collecting trader, and the collecting trader recycles the collected unit in a storage state of a predetermined amount,
A recycling collection system, which is delivered to the re-use trader who has demand. 4. The collection unit stores the recycled product for each manufacturer or seller, and the collection integration means integrates the weight of the recycled product for each manufacturer or seller and collects the collection product. The data integrated by the means
The recycling collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data is transmitted from the data transmission unit for each of the manufacturer or the seller. 5. A collection unit for storing a recycled product such as a packaging container, a collecting and integrating means for integrating the weight of the recycled product stored in the collecting unit, and transmitting the data integrated by the collecting and integrating means. A data transmitting unit, and a reader / writer for recognizing the card held by the customer and writing the amount or points for the recycled product on the card.
A collection device comprising: a writer; and display means for changing display contents when detecting that the recycled product has been put into the collection unit or when the reader / writer recognizes the card. . 6. A judging means for judging a manufacturer or a seller of the recycled product, wherein an advertisement relating to the manufacturer or the seller judged by the judging means is displayed on the display means for a predetermined time after the judgment. The collection device according to claim 5, wherein 7. The collection device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit performs the determination by reading a bar code displayed on the recycled product.