NZ788060A - A waste collection system, bin and tag - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a waste collection system, bin, and tag. The waste bin comprises a receptacle and a lid. The lid comprises a first attachment feature and the receptacle comprises a second attachment feature. The tag is configured to be looped through the first and second attachment features to secure the lid to the receptacle. The tag comprises a perforated tear line extending across the width of the tag, so that when the bin is inverted, the tension from the lid causes the tag to tear and to fall away beneath the bin and into the hopper of a waste collection truck. The tag may be a prepaid tag and may include a tamper-evident portion that prevents re-use of the tag. o secure the lid to the receptacle. The tag comprises a perforated tear line extending across the width of the tag, so that when the bin is inverted, the tension from the lid causes the tag to tear and to fall away beneath the bin and into the hopper of a waste collection truck. The tag may be a prepaid tag and may include a tamper-evident portion that prevents re-use of the tag.

Description

A WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM, BIN AND TAG FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a waste collection system for collecting household waste. The system comprises a bin comprising a body and a lid. The system also comprises a tag configured to secure the bin lid closed against the body until the bin is emptied.

BACKGROUND It is common for household waste to be placed in lidded bins, sometimes referred to as ‘wheelie bins’, which are placed near the road, by or on behalf of the homeowner or resident, and then ted by a waste collection service er and emptied into a waste collection truck under a user pays system in which the homeowner or resident prepays for the waste collection. In some waste collection systems, a truck driver is in control of a waste collection truck and a person, commonly referred to as a r’, positions each bin on the curbside to enable the bin to be lifted with lifting arms of the truck. The lifting arms then empty the bin into a hopper on the truck before lowering the bin to the ground to allow the runner to return the bin to its original location for continued use by the homeowner or resident. This is both a labour intensive and time intensive system and the system presents health and safety concerns for the runner. The system also relies on the truck driver and runner being able to identify, from a list of addresses, which bins have had collection paid for and that should ore be emptied. One way of helping identify which bins have been d for collection is for the homeowner or resident to purchase a tag and place the tag on the bin when the bin is ready for collection. However, such systems require a runner to remove the tags before the bins are emptied and the runner must also be visible to the driver at all times to identify for the driver which bins had tags on them and are ready to empty.

To avoid the health and safety issues ed with runners, some waste collection systems involve having the bins emptied into a side loading truck. In this , the waste collection truck comprises lifting arms that extend from the side of the truck. The truck driver positions the truck so that the lifting arms are adjacent the bin and then controls the arms to grab the bin and to raise and invert the bin above a hopper on the rear of the truck, behind the cab, in order to empty the bin contents into the . This system also uses a runner who runs ahead of the truck, looks for bins with tags, removes the tag from tagged bins and puts the removed tags into the relevant bin. The runner also pushes back any bins that are not tagged so that those bins are not collected and emptied by the truck . This system also exposes the runner to inherent health and safety risks associated with ing around a moving truck and other road traffic.

There is ore a need to provide a user pays waste collection system that avoids the need for a , or that at least provides the public with a useful alternative to known waste collection systems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION In a first aspect, the invention es a waste collection system comprising: a waste bin sing a receptacle and a lid, hinged from the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises a first attachment feature and wherein the receptacle comprises a second attachment feature; a waste collection tag comprising a length of material comprising opposing ends and being configured to attach to the first and second attachment features and to itself in order to secure the lid closed, wherein the tag comprises a tear line extending from a first side edge of the tag to a second, opposing side edge of the tag and wherein the tear line is d between the opposing ends of the tag; wherein the tear line allows the tag to tear along the tear line when under ient tension when the waste bin is ed so as to cause the tag to fall away beneath the waste bin.

In some forms, the first ment feature comprises a central portion suspended between two end portions, the end portions being attached to the lid, such that a first g is provided between the central portion and the lid, the first opening being configured to receive a portion of the tag when the tag is attached to the first attachment feature.

In some forms, the first attachment feature comprises an arch-like structure in which the l portion is suspended above an upper surface of the lid, and wherein the first opening is provided n the suspended central portion and the lid.

In some forms, the first attachment feature ses or consists of a first handle to open the lid.

In some forms, the second attachment feature comprises a central portion extending between two end portions, the end portions being attached to an exterior surface of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided between the central portion and the exterior surface, the second opening being configured to receive a portion of the tag when the tag is attached to the second attachment e.

In some forms ,the second attachment feature comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion of the second attachment feature is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the bin receptacle, and wherein the second opening is provided between the l portion of the second attachment feature and the exterior surface of the bin receptacle.

Optionally, the second attachment feature comprises or consists of a second handle by which to pull the waste bin.

Optionally, the first and second attachment features are spaced between about 5cm and about 10cm apart.

In some forms, the tear line comprises a line of perforations of about 12 teeth per inch.

In some forms, the tear line is d generally centrally between the opposing ends of the tag.

In some forms, the tag comprises an opening near one end of the tag, the opening being configured to receive the other end of the tag therein to form the tag into a loop.

In some forms, the distance between the central portions of the first and second attachment features is about 50mm and the tag is a self-adhesive tag that comprises a length of laminate material comprising a first layer comprising a lly ed polypropylene cavitated film with an acrylic-based adhesive rear e, a second layer comprising glassine paper, and n the tag is about m long and about 30mm wide.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a waste bin for use with the waste collection system of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the bin comprises a receptacle for containing waste therein, and a lid hinged from the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises a first attachment feature comprising a central portion suspended between two end ns, the end portions being attached to the lid, such that a first opening is provided between the central portion and the lid, and wherein the bin receptacle comprises a second attachment feature comprising a l portion ing between two end portions, the end portions being attached to an or surface of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided between the central portion of the second attachment feature and the or surface, wherein the first and second openings are configured to receive a portion of the tag when looped around the central portion of the first and second attachment features and attached to itself to secure the lid to the bin receptacle.

In some forms, the first attachment e comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion is suspended above an upper surface of the lid, and wherein the first opening is provided between the suspended central portion and the lid.

In some forms, the first attachment feature comprises or consists of a first handle to open the lid.

In some forms, the second attachment feature comprises an arch-like ure in which the central n of the second ment feature is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the bin receptacle and the second opening is provided between the central portion and the exterior surface. ally, the second attachment feature is ed on the exterior surface of a rim of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided between the central portion and the rim.

Optionally, the second attachment feature comprises or consists of a second handle by which to pull the waste bin.

In some forms, the second opening is about 45mm wide and about 15mm high.

In some forms, the first and second attachment features are spaced between about 5cm and about 10cm apart.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a waste collection tag for use with the waste collection system of the invention, wherein the tag ses a pair of substantially opposing ends and a fastening region located at or near one of the ends and configured to engage with the other end of the tag to form the tag into a loop, and wherein the tag further comprises a tear line that extends from a first side edge of the tag to a second, opposing side edge of the tag, wherein the tear line is located between the opposing ends of the tag, and wherein the tear line is configured to tear across the tag n the first side edge and the second side edge when under sufficient tension when the waste bin is inverted so as to cause the tag to fall away h the waste bin.

Preferably, the tear line comprises a line of perforations that are spaced at about 12 teeth per inch.

In some forms, the fastening region comprises at least one tamper evident feature.

Optionally, the tear line is generally centrally located between the opposing ends of the tag.

In some forms, the tag comprises an opening near one end of the tag, the opening being configured to receive the other end of the tag therein to form the tag into a loop.

In some forms, the tag ses a length of laminate material comprising a first layer, a second layer, and opposing ends, wherein a rear surface of the first layer comprises an adhesive and is configured to peel off a front surface of the second layer, wherein the second layer comprises a peel-off portion to expose a portion of the rear surface of the first layer, and wherein the exposed portion of the rear e comprises adhesive to adhere to r portion of the tag to form the tag into a loop, and wherein the peel-off portion is an enclosed shape that is defined by at least two cuts through the second layer, wherein the cuts terminate before meeting to provide at least two uncut regions spaced equidistant around the ed shape.

In some forms, the tag comprises a fastening region in which the second layer comprises a peel-off portion to expose a portion of the rear surface of the first layer, and wherein the exposed portion of the rear surface comprises adhesive to adhere to r portion of the tag to form the tag into a loop.

Optionally, the fastening region is located proximate to one of the opposing ends of the tag.

In some forms, the ff portion is an enclosed shape that is defined by at least two cuts through the second layer, wherein the cuts terminate before meeting to provide at least two uncut regions spaced equidistant around the enclosed shape.

Optionally, the peel-off portion is a generally circular shape defined by a pair of opposing semi-circular cuts through the second layer and wherein the semi-circular cuts terminate before meeting to provide two generally ng uncut regions.

In some forms, the uncut regions are about 0.20mm to 0.30mm long. Preferably, the uncut regions are about 0.25mm long.

In some forms, the peel-off portion comprises three or more uncut s. ally, the fastening region of a self-adhesive tag according to the invention is tamper evident by comprising multiple cuts formed in the exposed n of the first layer, such that after fastening the exposed portion of the first layer to another portion of the tag, the cuts will tear the tag or deform the tag if tension is applied to the tag.

In some forms, the exposed portion of the first layer comprises a plurality of crosses cut through the first layer to provide a tamper evident fastening region.

Optionally, the tag is between about 170mm to about 230mm long. Preferably, the tag is about 215.9mm long.

In some forms, the tag is between about 30mm and about 50mm wide. Preferably, the tag is about 30mm wide.

In some forms, the first layer of the tag comprises a biaxially oriented polypropylene cavitated film comprising an acrylic-based ve rear surface and wherein the second layer comprises glassine paper.

In some forms, a line of perforations is ed between each tag to enable each tag to be purchased separately.

Also disclosed is a self-adhesive waste collection tag for use with the waste collection system of the first , n the tag comprises a length of laminate material comprising a first layer, a second layer, and opposing ends, wherein a rear surface of the first layer comprises an adhesive and is configured to peel off a front surface of the second layer, wherein the tag ses a tear line that extends from a first side edge of the tag to a second, opposing side edge of the tag, wherein the tear line is located between the opposing ends of the tag, and wherein the tear line is ured to tear across the tag between the first side edge and the second side edge when under sufficient tension when the waste bin is inverted so as to cause the tag to fall away beneath the waste bin.

In some forms, the tear line comprises a line of perforations that are spaced at about 12 teeth per inch.

Unless the context y requires otherwise, throughout the ption and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in aninclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common l knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The ion consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the ion will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows one form of waste bin according to the invention in which the lid comprises a first attachment feature near the front, left side of the bin acle, and the bin receptacle comprises a second attachment feature near the front, left side; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the first and second attachment features of Figure 1; Figure 3a is a rear view of one form of tag ing to the invention; Figure 3b is a front view of one form of tag according to the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of one form of peel-off portion for one form of self-adhering tag of the present invention, the peel-off portion comprising a pair of semi-circular cuts and a pair of uncut regions located between each cut and generally opposite each other; Figure 5a is a top view of another form of tag that can be used with the waste collection system of the invention; Figure 5b is a top view of the tag of Figure 5a when formed into a loop; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the waste bin of Figure 1 to which a tag has been attached; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the bin and tag of Figure 6, showing the tag secured to both the first and second attachment es; Figure 8 is a schematic illustrating how to secure the tag to the waste bin; Figure 9 shows a waste bin with a tag secured to the first and second attachment features of the bin to show that the bin is ready for tion and emptying, the bin in this case being gripped by arms of a side loading waste collection truck prior to inverting the bin; Figure 10 shows the waste bin and the arms of the waste collection truck of Figure 9, the bin being lifted above the truck prior to inverting the bin; and Figure 11 shows the bin in an inverted position to empty the contents of the bin into the hopper of the truck, the tag breaking away from the bin under n from the lid and falling into the hopper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The ion is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not ed to be limited in any way by these examples.

As exemplified by embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11, the present invention s to a waste collection system, bin, and tag. The system is particularly useful for collecting household waste using a user-pays arrangement, although the system could otherwise be employed to collect commercial waste using a user-pays arrangement. The system ses a tag and a waste collection bin comprising a receptacle and a lid hinged from the receptacle.

The tag is to be rchased by a user (such as the householder for example). The tag is attachable to the bin. When a user would like the bin to be emptied, the user attaches the tag to the bin by threading the tag around a first attachment feature located on the lid and around a second attachment feature located on an exterior surface of the bin, proximate to the first attachment feature, and then forming the tag into a secure loop by attaching the tag to itself. Once the tag forms a secure loop, the lid is unable to be opened.

The tag is clearly visible on the bin and can be seen by a waste collection truck driver from a distance.

When the driver sees the prepaid tag on the bin, the driver knows that the waste within the bin is to be ted and the driver also knows that the waste collection has been paid for. The driver may then empty the bin into the waste collection truck, which is preferably a side loading waste collection truck. Typically, this is achieved by inverting the bin above a hopper on the rear of the truck, behind the cab. When the bin is inverted, the effect of gravity one the lid and the weight of the bin contents causes the hinged lid to pull away from the bin acle, applying tension to the tag. The tag is configured to comprise a tear line, so that the tension from the lid causes the tag to tear apart along the tear line, breaking the loop of the tag. The tag then falls freely away from the bin and into the hopper of the truck, preventing the tag from being re-used.

Preferred forms of the waste collection , bin and tag will now be described with nce to Figures 1 to 11.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the waste collection system comprises a waste bin 1000 comprising a receptacle 1100 for containing waste therein, and a lid 1200. The lid 1200 is hinged from the bin receptacle 1100. Typically, the lid 1200 is hinged from the rear of the bin receptacle 1100, but in some forms, the lid 1200 may be hinged from the side of the receptacle. The hinged nature of the lid 1200 ensures that the lid does not fall into the hopper of the waste collection truck 2000 when the bin 1000 is inverted at the time of emptying, but also allows a user to lift the lid 1200 and access the interior of the receptacle 1100 to deposit waste within the bin 1000. The bins are typically between about 80 litres to about 240 litres in volume.

The lid 1200 comprises an upper surface 1210 and a lower surface and is defined by front 1230, rear 1240, left 1250 and right 1260 sides. The lid 1200 comprises at least one first attachment feature 1270 to which the tag 1300 may be attached. The first ment feature 1270 is located on the upper surface 1210 of the lid and may be located near the front 1230, left 1250 or right 1260 side of the lid. Most ably, the first attachment feature 1270 is located on the upper surface 1210 of the lid and at or near the front 1230 of the lid. In some forms, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first attachment feature 1270 is d near the front 1230 of the lid and on the left 1250 of the lid. In other forms, the first attachment feature 1270 may be d near the front 1230 and on the right 1260 of the lid. In yet other forms, the first attachment e may be d lly centrally on the left and/or right sides 1250, 1260 of the lid.

In some forms, as shown in Figure 2, the first attachment feature 1270 comprises a central portion 1275 suspended between two end portions 1277, 1278. The end portions 1277, 1278 are attached to the lid 1200, such that a first opening 1280 is provided between the central portion 1275 and the lid 1200. The first opening is configured to receive a portion of the tag 1300 when the tag is attached to the first attachment feature 1270.

Optionally, the first attachment feature 1270 comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion 1275 is suspended above the upper surface 1210 of the lid. In these forms , the first opening 1280 is provided between the ded central portion 1275 and the upper surface 1210 of the lid 1200.

In some forms, the first attachment feature 1270 comprises or ts of a first handle that is configured for opening the lid 1200. Typically, in these forms, the lid 1200 is hinged from the rear of the bin 1100 and the handle projects from the upper surface 1210 of the lid and is located near the front 1230 of the lid. In some forms, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle is located on the one side of the lid, such as the left 1250 and/or right 1260 side, and near the front 1230 of the lid.

The bin receptacle 1100 comprises a hollow interior that is defined by front 1130, rear 1140, left 1150 and right 1160 side walls and a bottom. The bin receptacle may comprise a rim 1190, defining the top of the receptacle 1100. Each of the side walls 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160 ses an inner surface facing the hollow interior, and an exterior surface 1130a 1140a, 1150a, 1160a facing the or of the bin. The rim 1190 also ses an exterior surface 1190a. The bin receptacle 1100 further comprises a second attachment feature 1170 to which the tag 1300 may be ed. At least one second attachment feature 1170 may be attached to or ally formed with an exterior surface of the bin receptacle 1100.

In preferred forms, the lid 1200 is hinged from the rear of the bin receptacle 1100, a first attachment feature 1270 is located at one side 1250, 1260 and near the front 1230 of the lid. The second attachment feature 1170 is located on an exterior surface of the bin receptacle and generally adjacent to the first attachment feature 1270. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a first attachment feature 1270 is located on the left side 1250 of the lid and a second attachment feature is located on the left side of the exterior e 1190a of the rim of the bin receptacle, near the lid 1200.

In some forms, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second attachment e 1170 comprises a central portion 1175 extending between two end portions 1177, 1178. The end portions 1177, 1178 are attached to an exterior surface of the bin receptacle 1100, such that a second opening 1180 is provided between the central portion 1175 and the exterior surface to which the second attachment feature is attached.

The second opening 1180 is configured to receive a n of the tag 1300 when the tag is attached to the second attachment feature 1170. In some forms, the second attachment feature 1170 is provided on the front 1130a, left 1150a or right 1160a exterior e of the bin receptacle, but in some forms the second attachment e 1170 may be attached to the exterior surface 1190a of the rim 1190 and at the front, left or right sides of the rim.

Optionally, the second attachment feature 1170 comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion 1175 is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the bin receptacle 1100 on which the second attachment feature 1170 is provided. The second opening 1180 is provided n the central portion 1175 of the second attachment e 1170 and the exterior surface on which the second attachment feature is provided. For example, where the second attachment feature 1170 is provided on the left exterior surface 1150a of the bin, the second opening 1180 is provided between the central portion 1175 of the second ment feature and the left exterior surface 1150a. Similarly, where the second attachment feature 1170 is provided on the rim exterior surface 1190a, the second opening 1180 is provided between the central portion 1175 and the rim exterior surface 1190a.

In some forms, the second opening 1180 is about 45mm wide and about 15mm high. ably, the second opening 1180 is d by smooth edges, such as curved edges, to allow the tag to be easily threaded through the opening without g caught on sharp edges or corners.

In some forms, the second attachment feature 1170 comprises or consists of a second handle by which to pull the waste bin 1000.

In some forms, the second attachment e 1170 is integrally formed with the bin receptacle 1100 and in other forms, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second attachment feature 1170 is attached to the bin receptacle 1100 in a retrofit arrangement. In such an arrangement, a lower portion of the second ment feature 1170 is fastened to the bin receptacle 1100 by any suitable means, such as by welding, adhesive, rivets, or the like, and the upper portion projects freely from the bin receptacle 1100 to expose the second opening 1180 and provide easy access to the second opening 1180, which is located in the upper portion of the second attachment feature 1170 in such an embodiment.

In some forms, the second attachment feature 1170 comprises a r, but other forms of material may be used instead, such as metal, or a combination of materials. In preferred forms, the second attachment e 1170 comprises or consists of polypropylene.

Optionally, the second attachment feature is between about 3mm and about 8mm thick and is preferably about 5mm thick. Optionally, the second attachment feature is about 80mm – 120mm long, ably about 100mm – 110mm long. Optionally, the second attachment e is about 60mm – 100mm wide, preferably about 70mm wide.

The central portions 1275, 1175 of the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 project above a surface of the bin 1000 so that the tag 1300 can be tightly secured around the l portions so as not to contact an exterior surface of the bin. It has been found to be important to prevent the tag 1300 from contacting an exterior surface of the bin 1000 because in wet or dewy conditions the tag will tend to stick to the exterior surface of the bin, increasing the chance that the tag will not fully release from the bin and fall into the waste hopper of the truck when the bin is emptied. In some forms, the central portions 1275, 1175 of the first and second ment es 1270, 1170 are positioned at the same or a substantially similar height above the upper surface of the lid 1200.

The first 1270 and second 1170 attachment features are typically distanced from each other but are still sufficiently close er to allow the tag 1300 to be securely attached to both attachment features 1170, 1270. The first 1280 and second 1180 openings are configured to receive a portion of the tag 1300 when the tag is looped around the central portion 1275, 1175 of the first and second attachment features and ed to itself to secure the lid 1200 to the bin receptacle 1100. The tag 1300 is preferably formed into a tight loop around the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 to prevent any portion of the tag from contacting an exterior e of the bin 1000.

Regardless of whether or not the first attachment feature 1270 is located at the front 1230, left 1250 or right 1260 side of the lid and whether or not the second attachment e 1180 is located on or near (when provided on the rim 1190a) the front 1130a, left 1150a or right 1160a exterior side surface of the bin receptacle 1100, the first and second attachment features are preferably spaced between about 5cm and about 15cm apart.

The tag 1300 comprises a length of material comprising opposing ends 1300a, 1300b and is configured to attach to the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 and to attach to itself in order to secure the lid 1300 closed. In preferred forms, the tag 1300 is configured to be looped through the first 1270 and second 1170 attachment features and fastened to itself to secure the lid 1200 closed. The tag may attach to itself in any suitable manner. For example, one end of the tag may comprise an g for receiving the other end of the tag therethrough, or both ends of the tag may comprise openings for receiving a central n of the tag therethrough. In other forms, end portions of the tag 1300 may be tied together, domed together, stapled together, or ise attached together. In some forms, as we will be sed in further detail later in this specification, the tag comprises an adhesive region such that the tag can attach to itself by adhesion.

The tag 1300 comprises a tear line 1310 extending across the width of the tag, so that when the bin 1000 is inverted, the tension from the lid 1200, g away from the bin receptacle 1100 under the force of gravity, causes the tag 1300 to tear along the tear line 1310 and to fall away beneath the bin 1000. The first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 are preferably provided at a distance from the hinge 1105 between the lid 1200 and bin receptacle 1100. This is because the further away the tag 1300 is located from the hinge 1105, the greater the tension that the lid 1200 will apply to the tag 1300 and therefore the tear line 1310 when the bin 1100 is ed, and therefore the easier it is to tear along the tear line 1310 and release the tag 1300 upon inversion of the bin 1000.

In some forms, the tear line 1310 comprises a line of perforations extending from a first side edge 1301 of the tag to a , ng side edge 1302 of the tag. Preferably, the perforations are cut through both the front of the tag 1300 and the rear of the tag to age the tear line to tear when sufficient tension is applied to the tear line. The tear line 1310 is located between the ng ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300. In preferred forms, the tear line 1310 is located generally centrally between the ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300. In some forms, the perforations comprise at least about 10 – 15 teeth per inch and preferably comprise about 12 teeth per inch. The tear line 1310 causes the tag 1300 to tear along a width of the tag under sufficient tension from the lid 1200 when the waste bin 1000 is ed during waste removal and the lid 1200 hinges away from the receptacle 1100, causing the tag 1300 to fall away beneath the waste bin.

The tag 1300 may be a prepaid tag.

In some forms, as shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 4, the tag 1300 is a self-adhering waste collection tag for use with the waste collection system of the invention. The tag 1300 comprises a length of laminate material comprising opposing ends 1300a, 1300b and also comprising a first layer 1320 and a second layer 1330. A rear surface of the first layer 1320 comprises an adhesive and also comprises a fastening region 1340 comprising a peel-off portion configured to peel off a front surface of the second layer 1330 without ng the first layer 1320, as shown in Figure 3a. Removing the peel-off portion exposes an adhesive surface of the first layer 1320, which allows a user to form the tag into a loop and secure the adhesive e to another portion of the tag to secure the loop. In preferred forms, the fastening region 1340 is provided near one of the ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300 and a user adheres the fastening region 1340 to a portion of the tag near the other of the ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300 to form a loop. In some forms, as shown in Figure 3b, the second layer provides a visual indication 1333 to indicate to a user a suitable location to which to adhere the first layer.

In some forms, the self-adhering tag 1300 comprises a fastening region 1340 in which the second layer 1330 ses a peel-off portion to expose a portion of the rear surface of the first layer 1320. The exposed portion of the rear surface comprises adhesive to adhere to r portion of the tag 1300 to form the tag into a loop. The fastening region 1340 may be located proximate to one of the opposing ends of the tag 1300.

In some forms, the peel-off portion of the fastening region 1340 is an enclosed shape that is defined by at least two opposing cuts 1335 through the second layer 1330. The cuts 1335 terminate before meeting to provide at least two uncut regions 1336. In some forms, the ff portion comprises three or more uncut regions 1336. In preferred forms, the uncut regions 1336 are positioned equidistant around the ed shape. The enclosed shape may be any suitable shape, but it has been found that the tag 1300 performs best when the shape is without corners, such as a circle or oval shape or an irregular curved shape.

In some forms, as shown in Figure 3a and 4, the peel-off portion is a generally circular shape defined by a pair of opposing semi-circular cuts 1135 through the second layer 1130. The semi-circular cuts 1335 terminate before meeting to e two generally opposing uncut regions 1335, positioned generally opposite each other. In some forms, the circular ff portion comprises a diameter of about 20mm.

The uncut regions 1336 may be of any suitable length to help prevent the peel-off portion from peeling away during manufacture. In some forms, the uncut regions 1336 are about 0.20mm to 0.30mm long. In red forms, the uncut regions 1336 are about 0.25mm long.

The tag 1300 may include a tamper-evident portion that prevents re-use of the tag. In some forms, the fastening region 1340 of a dhesive tag is configured to be tamper evident by comprising multiple cuts formed in the exposed n of the first layer 1320, such that after fastening the exposed portion of the first layer 1320 to another portion of the tag 1300, the cuts will tear the exposed portion of the tag or deform the tag 1300 when the tag is placed under tension, such as when a person subsequently ts to pull the looped tag apart. In some forms, the exposed portion of the first layer 1320 comprises a plurality of crosses cut through the first layer 1320 to provide a tamper evident fastening region 1340. lly, a line of about five crosses are cut through the first layer 1320 at the location of the peel-off portion.

In some forms, the first layer 1320 of the self-adhesive tag 1300 comprises a biaxially oriented polypropylene cavitated film comprising an c-based adhesive rear surface and the second layer 1330 comprises glassine paper.

In some forms, where the tag is a self-adhesive tag, the tag may comprise a first layer 1320 comprising a biaxially oriented polypropylene ted film with an acrylic-based adhesive rear surface, a second layer 1330 of glassine paper, and that is about m long and about 30mm wide.

In other forms, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the tag 1300 may comprise an opening 1305 near one end of the tag 1300a, 1300b, the opening 1305 being configured to receive the other end 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300 therein, such that the tag forms a loop when the two ends 1300a, 1300b engage with each other.

For example, the tag may comprise a fastening region 1340 located ate to one of the opposing ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300. In preferred forms, the fastening region 1340 is provided near one of the ends 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300 and comprises an opening such as a slot, hole, or other suitable opening. In some forms, the opening is a keyhole g comprising a slot terminating in an enlarged hole. In other forms, as shown, the opening 1305 is a T-shaped opening comprising two orthogonal slots.

To secure the tag to itself in a loop, a user inserts the opposing end of the tag, or the central region of the tag, through the opening in the fastening region 1340 to form the tag into a loop. The tag 1300 may include a tamper evident portion that prevents re-use of the tag. For example, the opening in the fastening region may be configured for single use only.

In some forms, the tag 1300 of the invention is n about 170mm to about 230mm long and is preferably about 215.9mm long. The length of the tag 1300 depends on the distance n the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170, as the tag should be sufficiently long to wrap around the attachment features 1270, 1170 and be secured to itself, but should not be so long that a portion of the tag 1300 contacts an external surface of the bin 1000. In other words, it is important that the tag 1300 can form a tight loop around the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 without ends of the tag, or other portions of the tag, ting an external surface of the bin 1000. The tight nature of the tag 1300 reduces the risk that the tag will stick to the bin 1000 in wet or damp conditions and fail to fall into the waste hopper of a waste collection truck. The tight nature of the tag 1300 also ensures that the maximum tension is placed on the tag when the bin is inverted, helping to cause the tag tears along the tear line and releases the lid 1100 to allow the waste contents of the bin to fall into the waste hopper of the truck.

In some forms, the tag 1300 is between about 30mm and about 50mm wide. Preferably, the tag 1300 is about 30mm wide. It has been found that the tag 1300 is more likely to tear completely along the tear line, even with little or no waste in the waste collection bin 1000, if the tag has a width of about 30mm.

In preferred forms, the distance between the first and second attachment es 1270, 1170 is about 50mm.

In some forms, the tag 1300 is of a contrasting colour to the bin 1000. For example, the bin 1000 may be dark coloured, such as green or black for e, and the tag 1300 may be light coloured, such as white or cream for example, or ly ed, such as yellow or orange or pink, or reflective for example.

In some forms, a strip of waste collection tags 1300 are produced and formed into a roll with a line of perforations provided between each tag to enable individual tags 1300 to be torn off the roll and purchased separately. Alternatively, a customer may choose to unroll a desired number of tag, such as five or ten tags for example, and then tear the last of the selected tags from the remaining roll.

In use, a user purchases at least one waste collection tag 1300 from a tag supplier, such as a retailer. The purchase cost of the waste collection tag 1300 includes the waste collection service provider fee to collect and empty a waste bin and this fee is paid by the retailer to the waste collection service er, which may be a municipal council, private waste collection y, or any other er of waste collection services.

When the user’s waste bin is ready for collection, the user threads one end 1300a, 1300b of the tag 1300 through the first and second openings 1280, 1180 of the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 respectively. The user then forms the tag 1300 into a loop, by bringing end portions of the tag together to engage with each other and secure the tag 1300 in the looped ion so that the tag is taut or substantially taut and so that no portion of the tag contacts an external surface of the bin receptacle 1100 or lid 1200. Once the tag 1300 is secured to itself through the attachment features 1270, 1170, it is no longer possible to open the lid of the waste bin, so other s of the public are unable to dump waste in someone else’s bin.

Where the tag 1300 is a self-adhesive tag, such as that shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the user brings the end portions of the tag together, removes the peel-off portion to expose a portion of the adhesive first layer 1320 and then attaches the exposed adhesive fastening region 1340 to another portion of the tag to form a loop such that the central portions of the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 are held within the loop, as shown in s 6 – 8.

Where the tag 1300 comprises an opening 1305 through which to receive an opposing end of the tag, the opposing end is threaded through the opening to form a loop, as shown in Figure 5b, so that the first and second attachment features 1270, 1170 are held within the loop.

The user s the bin 1000 on the street, ready for collection and emptying by a waste collection truck engaged by the waste collection service provider.

The driver of the waste truck can readily see the tag 1300 attached to the bin 1000 and can therefore immediately appreciate that waste collection from the bin has been prepaid and the bin should be emptied. The driver then empties the bin 1000 into the truck. Preferably, the truck is a side g waste collection truck in which actuating hydraulic gripping arms, located on one side of the truck, are used to grip the bin on either side and lift the bin off the ground and above a hopper on the rear of the truck, as shown in Figure 9 to 11. The ng arms invert the bin 1000 above the hopper so that gravity causes the contents of the bin and the bin lid 1200 (under its own weight and the weight of the bin contents) to move downward toward the hopper. The tension of the bin lid 1200 pulling away from the bin acle 1100 causes the tag 1300 to tear along the tear line, releasing the tag from the first and second attachment features and allowing the lid 1200 to fall open and release the waste into the hopper. As the lid 1200 falls open, the waste collection tag 1300 also falls into the hopper, as shown in Figure 11. The dimensions and material from which the tag 1300 is made may help ensure that the tag 1300 releases and falls into the hopper to prevent re-use. Where the tag comprises a tamper-evident feature, the tag is also unable to be re-used, even if prematurely removed from a bin 1000 prior to waste tion.

Although the waste collection system has been described and illustrated in relation to a side loading waste tion truck, it is envisaged that the system may alternatively be used with a front loading or rear loading waste tion truck that operates in a similar manner.

The waste collection system of the invention provides a simple and effective means of supplying userpays waste collection that avoids the need of runners that are required with known waste collection s and therefore avoids the health and safety risks associated with having runners working in close ity to a waste collection truck and other traffic.

The invention may also be said y to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be nt to those skilled in the art. Such s and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and without shing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention.

WHAT WE

Claims (25)

CLAIM IS

1. A waste collection system comprising: a waste bin comprising a receptacle and a lid, hinged from the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises a first attachment feature and wherein the receptacle comprises a second ment feature; a waste collection tag sing a length of material comprising opposing ends and being configured to attach to the first and second attachment features and to itself in order to secure the lid closed, wherein the tag comprises a tear line extending from a first side edge of the tag to a second, opposing side edge of the tag and wherein the tear line is located between the opposing ends of the tag; wherein the tear line allows the tag to tear along the tear line when under sufficient tension when the waste bin is inverted so as to cause the tag to fall away beneath the waste bin.

2. The waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the first attachment feature comprises a central portion suspended n two end portions, the end portions being attached to the lid, such that a first opening is provided between the central portion and the lid, the first opening being configured to receive a portion of the tag when the tag is attached to the first ment feature.

3. The waste collection system of claim 2, wherein the first attachment e comprises an ike structure in which the central portion is suspended above an upper surface of the lid, and wherein the first opening is provided between the suspended central portion and the lid.

4. The waste collection system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first ment e comprises or consists of a first handle to open the lid.

5. The waste collection system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second attachment feature ses a central portion extending between two end portions, the end portions being attached to an exterior surface of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided between the l portion and the exterior surface, the second opening being configured to receive a portion of the tag when the tag is attached to the second attachment feature.

6. The waste tion system of claim 5, wherein the second attachment feature comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion of the second attachment feature is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the bin receptacle, and wherein the second opening is provided between the central portion of the second attachment e and the exterior surface of the bin receptacle.

7. The waste collection system of any one of the ing claims, wherein the first and second attachment features are spaced between about 5cm and about 10cm apart.

8. The waste collection system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag comprises an g near one end of the tag, the opening being ured to receive the other end of the tag therein to form the tag into a loop.

9. The waste collection system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distance between the central portions of the first and second attachment features is about 50mm and the tag is a self-adhesive tag that comprises a length of laminate al comprising a first layer comprising a lly oriented polypropylene cavitated film with an c-based adhesive rear surface, a second layer comprising glassine paper, and wherein the tag is about 215.9mm long and about 30mm wide.

10. A waste bin for use with the waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the bin comprises a receptacle for containing waste therein, and a lid hinged from the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises a first attachment feature comprising a central portion suspended between two end portions, the end portions being attached to the lid, such that a first opening is provided between the central portion and the lid, and wherein the bin receptacle comprises a second attachment feature comprising a central n ing between two end portions, the end portions being attached to an exterior surface of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided n the central portion of the second attachment feature and the exterior surface, wherein the first and second openings are configured to e a portion of the tag when looped around the central portion of the first and second attachment features and ed to itself to secure the lid to the bin receptacle.

11. The waste bin of claim 12, wherein the first attachment feature comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion is suspended above an upper surface of the lid, and wherein the first opening is provided between the suspended central portion and the lid.

12. The waste bin of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first attachment feature comprises or consists of a first handle to open the lid.

13. The waste bin of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second attachment feature comprises an arch-like structure in which the central portion of the second attachment feature is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the bin receptacle and the second opening is provided between the l portion and the exterior surface.

14. The waste bin of claim 15, wherein the second attachment feature is provided on the exterior surface of a rim of the bin receptacle, such that a second opening is provided n the central portion and the rim.

15. The waste bin of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first and second attachment features are spaced between about 5cm and about 10cm apart.

16. A waste collection tag for use with the waste collection system of claim 1, wherein the tag comprises a pair of substantially opposing ends and a fastening region located at or near one of the ends and configured to engage with the other end of the tag to form the tag into a loop, and wherein the tag further comprises a tear line that extends from a first side edge of the tag to a second, opposing side edge of the tag, wherein the tear line is d between the opposing ends of the tag, and wherein the tear line is configured to tear across the tag between the first side edge and the second side edge when under sufficient tension when the waste bin is inverted so as to cause the tag to fall away beneath the waste

17. The waste collection tag of claim 16, wherein the tear line comprises a line of perforations that are spaced at about 12 teeth per inch.

18. The waste collection tag of claim 16 or 17 wherein the fastening region comprises at least one tamper evident feature.

19. The waste collection tag of claim 16, 17, or 18, wherein the tag comprises a length of laminate al comprising a first layer, a second layer, and opposing ends, wherein a rear surface of the first layer comprises an adhesive and is configured to peel off a front surface of the second layer, wherein the second layer comprises a peel-off portion to expose a portion of the rear surface of the first layer, and wherein the exposed portion of the rear surface comprises adhesive to adhere to r portion of the tag to form the tag into a loop, and wherein the peel-off portion is an ed shape that is defined by at least two cuts through the second layer, wherein the cuts ate before meeting to provide at least two uncut s spaced equidistant around the enclosed shape. .

20. The self-adhesive waste collection tag of claim 19, wherein the peel-off portion is an ed shape that is defined by at least two cuts h the second layer, wherein the cuts terminate before meeting to provide at least two uncut regions spaced equidistant around the enclosed shape.

21. The self-adhesive waste tion tag of claim 20, wherein the peel-off portion is a lly circular shape defined by a pair of opposing semi-circular cuts through the second layer and wherein the semi-circular cuts terminate before meeting to provide two generally opposing uncut regions.

22. The self-adhesive waste collection tag of claim 20 or 21, wherein the uncut regions are about 0.20mm to 0.30mm long.

23. The self-adhesive waste collection tag of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the fastening region is tamper evident by comprising multiple cuts formed in the exposed portion of the first layer, such that after fastening the exposed portion of the first layer to another portion of the tag, the cuts will tear the tag or deform the tag if tension is applied to the tag.

24. The self-adhesive waste collection tag of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the first layer of the tag comprises a lly oriented opylene cavitated film comprising an acrylic-based adhesive rear surface and wherein the second layer comprises glassine paper.

25. The self-adhesive waste collection tag of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the tag is between about 170mm to about 230mm long and about 30mm to about 50mm wide. 1190a 1270 1190