SE1850522A1 - Combined sorting of waste containers and materials - Google Patents

Abstract

This document discloses a method for sorting waste, comprising providing at least two waste containers designed to receive a quantity of waste, a first of said at least two waste containers being intended to receive a specific fraction of waste and a second of said at least two waste containers are intended to receive at least one additional fraction of waste, the waste containers being provided with at least one identification means specific to the fraction of waste enclosed in the waste container. The method further comprises by means of a first sensor registering said waste containers when they are transported by means of a conveyor, the registration taking place by reading said identification means and, based on data from the first sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste containers with using a first control unit. The method further comprises, after the different waste containers have been separated by means of at least one of said sorting means, opening the other of said at least two waste containers, and then identifying the contents of the second waste container for further sorting.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This document relates to a procedure for combined sorting of waste containers into different fractions and sorting of waste containers comprising at least waste containers containing a specific fraction of waste and at least one waste container containing a further fraction of material.

Background It is known that recycling and reuse of waste contributes to a positive environmental impact, both in the form of energy savings and better utilization of our natural resources and raw materials. An increased recycling rate also contributes to less waste being landfilled, which also contributes to a reduced negative environmental impact.

A majority of the household waste that is thrown away today can be recycled or reused. Even if a large proportion is recycled, there is still a need to increase the material recycling of household waste.

However, in order to reduce the total negative environmental impact with regard to waste management, a system perspective is important. Waste recycling and reuse is beneficial, but the benefits can be lost if you look at the overall impact of waste management. For example, source-sorted fractions also entail requirements that the vehicles that collect the waste can transport several different fractions, in order to avoid the negative environmental impact of transporting each fraction separately. Waste sorting into different fractions also requires that the receiving waste management system can handle the different fractions in an efficient manner.

Devices, methods and systems for sorting waste containers containing different fractions are already known, for example from WO2006 / O96101 which describes a waste container, an apparatus, a method and a system for sorting such waste containers. WO2016 / 024043 also describes a method, an apparatus and a system for sorting waste bags containing different types of waste.

These devices, methods and systems enable efficient handling of several different waste fractions and ensure a high quality of sorting of the waste containers. In order to achieve a high recycling rate, however, it is a requirement that the waste has been sorted into several different containers correctly, which is not always the case. In many cases, the waste is only sorted into two containers, one for food waste, ie. organic waste, and one for combustible waste, where a large part of the waste placed in the container for the combustible waste could be recycled.

Furthermore, in the case of the existing devices, methods and systems, residual fractions arise when waste has not been sorted correctly or when waste containers are not registered in the system.

Methods for identifying and sorting objects from a quantity of waste using, among other things, NLR technology are also known from the past, for example from CA2310838 and from WO2003 / 061858. However, the procedure is not suitable for certain waste fractions, e.g. those containing organic waste.

Summary An object of the present invention is thus to provide a method for sorting waste containers, which completely or partially eliminates the disadvantages described in prior art and which allows sorting of multiple waste containers where a high recycling rate of both organic waste and residual fractions is achieved, especially with respect to waste.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments appear from the dependent claims, from the following description and drawings.

According to a first aspect, a method of sorting waste is provided, comprising providing at least two waste containers designed to receive a quantity of waste, wherein a first of said at least two waste containers is intended to receive a specific fraction of waste and a second of said at least The two-waste container is intended to receive at least one additional fraction of waste, the waste containers being provided with at least one identification means specific for the fraction of waste enclosed in the waste container. The method further comprises, by means of a first sensor, registering said waste container when it is transported by means of a conveyor, the registration taking place by reading said identification means and, based on data from the first sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container by means of a first control unit. . The method further comprises, after the various waste containers have been separated by means of at least one of said sorting means, opening the other of said at least two waste containers, and then identifying the contents of the second waste container for further sorting. l \ / led "identification means" means a means that can be read by a sensor in such a way that the sensor can identify and register the waste container which is provided with the identification means. The identification means may be, for example, a color, a hue, an RFID device, one or more characters, a bar code, a pattern and / or a tactile mark.

"At least one additional fraction of waste", or residual fraction, means waste that remains after sorting with regard to one or more fractions has been carried out, ie the waste that is not possible to sort in any other fraction. The content of a residual fraction thus depends on For example, in the case where two different waste containers are provided, the first being adapted to receive a specific fraction of waste in the form of organic waste, the contents of the second waste container will constitute a residual fraction containing all other waste which should not be sorted. organic waste.

The sorting of the waste containers can take place in such a way that waste containers while a specific fraction of waste is moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to collect collection containers for the specific fraction of waste, while waste containers containing at least an additional fraction of waste are transported on the conveyor.

Alternatively, the waste containers with the specific fraction can be waste transported further on the conveyor, while waste containers containing at least one additional fraction of waste can be moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to collection containers for residual fraction, or for further material sorting.

Alternatively, the sorting can take place in such a way that waste containers with the specific fraction of waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a collection container for the specific fraction of waste, and waste containers containing at least one further fraction of waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a conveyor. further material sorting.

By performing this sorting of waste containers and thus first separating the specific fraction of waste, to then open the second waste container containing at least one additional fraction of waste and then identify the contents further sorting, the recycling rate of different types of materials can increase.

According to the first aspect, the identification means may be a color, a single hue, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern, a tactile mark, or a combination thereof.

The waste containers can thus be registered by the first sensor by means of an optical identification means. The sensor then uses optical identification, ie the waste containers are separated with respect to a property that can be registered by both a sensor and a user. The property can be a color, a hue in the visible spectrum, one or more characters, a barcode, a QFi code, a pattern and / or a tactile mark. In accordance with prior art, this can be used to precode the waste containers with regard to how they are to be sorted. The coding of the waste containers can thus be used by the user and the waste sorting system to distinguish between waste containers containing different types of waste.

Alternatively, the waste containers can be registered by the first sensor by means of an RFID means in the form of an RFID tag or the like, which is readable based on radio frequencies. The RFlD member can be attached to or on the waste container by means of an adhesive such as glue or double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the RFID means may be printed in whole or in part directly on the waste container by means of polymer electronics or paper electronics. Alternatively, the RFlD member may be attached to a separate closure member adapted to be attached to and close the waste container. The RFlD device can, in accordance with prior art, be used to precode the waste containers with regard to how they are to be sorted.

According to the first aspect, said one or more sorting means may be a single arm for pushing or shutting off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve and a compressed air nozzle configured to regulate air jets, a vacuum suction or a single robot arm.

Said sorting means thus removes at least one of the different waste containers from the conveyor to a collection container for that type of waste container, or to another conveyor for further sorting. The waste container can be removed, for example, by means of an arm that strikes or the pressure waste container from the conveyor, which can be, for example, a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of air jets as transfer waste containers with the same type of waste away from the conveyor collection container. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of a vacuum suction which leads the waste containers from the conveyor to the collection vessel. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of a robot arm, which can be provided with various tools for moving the waste containers from the conveyor to the collection vessel.

According to the first aspect, the contents of the second waste container can be identified for further sorting by analysis of the material and wherein a second control unit, based on data from the analysis, controls at least one second sorting means for sorting the contents of the second waste container.

The first and second control units can be the same or different control units.

According to the first aspect, the analysis of the material can take place by means of a NIR measuring device, an X-ray analyzer, sound waves and / or an identification means.

The analysis, including identification of the material, can thus also take place with the aid of an identification means located on the material. The identification means can be, for example, a predetermined marking, pattern, RFID means, color, hue, one or more characters, bar code, QFï code, tactile mark, etc. For example, a material or a package could be provided with an identification means based on type of material. Alternatively, a material or package could be provided with an identification means based on the quality of the material / packaging material according to a predetermined classification of different material qualities. In this way, further sorting can take place where the waste is not only sorted based on the type of material, but also the quality of the material.

According to the first aspect, the second sorting means may be an arm for pushing or shutting off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to regulate air jets, a vacuum suction or a single robot arm.

The second sorting means thus removes objects from the conveyor to one or more collection containers for different fractions of waste, or to another conveyor for further sorting. The objects can, for example, be removed by means of an arm which cuts or pushes the waste container from the conveyor, which can be, for example, a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the objects can be removed by means of air jets which move one or more objects away from the conveyor to a collecting vessel, by means of a vacuum suction which leads the objects from the conveyor to the collecting vessel or to the further conveyor, or by means of a robot arm which may be provided with various tools to move various objects from the conveyor to the collection vessel / conveyor belt.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may comprise one or more steps, whereby metal waste is separated.

The further sorting may comprise, for example, that magnetic metal is sorted out in a first metal separation step and that non-magnetic metal is sorted out in a second metal separation step.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may comprise one or more steps whereby the waste is sieved.

The further sorting may, for example, include sieving based on size and / or weight. Examples of methods that can be used include, but are not limited to; finger aiming, drum aiming, aiming using rotating shafts, shaking aiming, wind aiming, ballistic aiming and aiming by vibration.

By including one or more steps of screening in the further sorting, the can, gravel, incorrectly sorted food waste and other small unwanted material are separated, but also larger materials that risk getting stuck and disturbing the further sorting. Furthermore, 2D objects can be separated from 3D objects.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may include sorting of 2D objects and 3D objects.

According to the first aspect, the method may further comprise providing at least a third and / or at least a fourth waste container, each designed to receive a specific fraction of waste, and provided with at least one means of identification for that fraction of waste.

The third and / or fourth waste container is thus adapted to receive waste consisting of materials that fall within one and the same fraction with regard to waste sorting. The identification means may be a color, a hue, an RFID, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern, a tactile mark, or a combination thereof. According to the first aspect, said third and / or fourth waste container may contain organic material, paper, plastic, newspapers, textiles, metal, glass, electronic waste, batteries and / or drug residues. According to the first aspect, said waste container may have a content weighing more than 1 kg, preferably more than 2 kg, preferably more than 5 kg and preferably more than 10 kg. The sorting means are thus adapted to move waste containers having a content in the range of 1-2 kg, 1-5 kg, 1-10. kg, 1-15 kg or 1-20 kg, alternatively 2-5 kg, 2-10 kg, 2-15 kg or 2-20 kg, alternatively with a weight in the range 5-10 kg, 5-15 kg or 5- 20 kg, alternatively with a weight in the range 10-15kg or 10-20 kg. The sorting means can also move waste containers with a weight of less than 1 kg, but can be specially adapted to be able to move heavy waste containers or materials.

According to the first aspect, said waste container may consist of, for example, a pouch or leather consisting of polymeric material, paper, metal, plastic-coated paper, metal-coated plastic, metal-coated paper or a biodegradable material, or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the waste containers consist of a material adapted to contain waste and which is strong enough to resist tears and is flexible enough to be able to contain the waste even when the containers are compressed. Furthermore, the waste container preferably consists of a biodegradable material, such as bioplastic. The lateral should preferably have as low an environmental impact as possible.

According to the first aspect, the method may further comprise, by means of another sensor, registering a second property of said waste container when it is transported by means of the conveyor, and, based on data from the other sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container by means of the first control unit.

The second sensor may be configured to read identification means, such as, for example, a color, a hue, an RFID, one or more characters, a bar code, a QF1 code, a pattern and / or a tactile mark.

Thus, according to the prior art, a second sensor can also register a second property, or a second means of identification, in the waste containers. This means that a higher quality of the sorting of the contents of the waste containers can be ensured.

Typically, the degree of purity of different material types increases by the above-described sorting method to more than 90% or to more than 95%, or preferably to more than 97%. The increased degree of purity means that the correct material is separated and that the material contains fewer impurities and incorrect material types. This in turn means that the materials that have been sorted out are simpler and can be used in a more energy-efficient way. The above-mentioned sorting method thus also reduces the energy consumption for waste sorting and recycling of materials, and the increase efficiency, ie. number of tonnes that can be handled per hour in the waste sorting facilities.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figs. 1a-1d are schematic top views of flattened containers provided with various embodiments of identification means.

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view from above showing an embodiment of a single device for sorting waste containers.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view from above showing an embodiment of a single device for sorting waste containers.

Fig. 4a is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method of sorting waste containers.

Fig. 4b is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method of sorting waste containers.

Description of embodiments Figures 1a-d show a flattened waste container 1, which may consist of a single-barreled wall 6 of a flexible material, such as plastic, paper, metal or a combination thereof. The waste container may alternatively consist of a biodegradable material. Below, the word container and pantry will be used interchangeably, but the term "container" should not be construed as being limited to single bag only, but may also include other types of inclusions, such as drawers, etc ..

The waste container 1 can have a closure 5 (not shown) to prevent waste linen from the bag 6 from spreading outside the bag.

The bag or container is also provided with at least one identification means 2.

Figures 1a-d show an identification means 2 in the form of a pattern. Other types of identification means are also possible, such as a color or a shade of color, an RFID device, one or more characters, a bar code, and / or a tactile mark. The container may also be provided with a combination of two or more means of identification.

The bag may be transparent, but according to an alternative it may also be provided with a color or shade, which may still allow the bag to be transparent, i.e. have a low opacity in the visible light spectrum.

According to one embodiment, therefore, the color or shade of the bag may be the same or different from a pattern with which the bag is provided.

According to another alternative, the container can be completely colored, ie. not allowing you to see through. According to an alternative, the color or shade may be different from any pattern the bag is provided with. The identification means 2, for example in the form of a color, or a pattern which in its turquoise has a color, may predetermined correspond, for example as information to the user, to the type of waste to be placed in the container. Alternatively, the color or shade of the bag or pattern is the same for all types of waste. According to such an embodiment, it should be understood that the pattern instead has a shape corresponding to the type of waste which is placed in the container. l \ / lan can, for example, use green pies for organic or biodegradable waste, blue pies for paper waste, yellow pies for plastic, etc. The color used for which type of waste can therefore be chosen completely optionally, but should be clearly communicated to the user. Furthermore, you can also sort, for example, organic waste in a predetermined type of container, such as a green bag, and then all other fractions, the residual fraction, in an ordinary container, such as one you buy in the grocery store.

The user thus sorts the waste at home, or at the workplace, and then places all containers in one and the same waste container, or in a so-called large bag which in turn can be identified and handled at a sorting plant.

The waste container or big bag is then transported, either with a suction system and / or by transport on or via a vehicle, such as a garbage truck that normally compresses or compresses the waste and then for the waste to a sorting plant, or a waste storage area. the identification means 2 in the form of a pattern may be an object, such as a triangle, dot or square arranged on a well-defined part of the bag (see Fig. 1d), the pattern may further be a plurality of objects 3 in a cluster, arranged on at least a part of the container (see Fig. 1b).

As such, the object or objects together or individually can have the shape of a circle, a dot (ie a filled circle), a square, a triangle, an oval, or any other kind of shape (see for example Fig. 1b). the identification means 2 in the form of an RFID means, as for example in WO2006 / O96101, (not shown) may consist of an RFID tag or the like, which is readable based on radio frequencies. Such a label may consist of a chip and an antenna coil. The chip may further comprise a processor and a data memory. There are several known RFID tags. Two main types include active and passive RFID tags, which differ in that the active RFID tag includes a current source while the passive RFID tag receives its energy from a magnetic field that induces a current in the antenna coil. When such a passive RFID tag is exposed to a predetermined magnetic field, a current is induced in the antenna coil which is sufficient to drive the chip. When the chip is driven, the processor retrieves information from the data memory and sends via the antenna coil a response signal corresponding to said information. In the present invention, such information includes at least information on the type of waste for which the waste container is intended.

The data memory may further include information such as pre-waste disposal billing information (may be combined with a weighing function in a conveyor 12 or a waste container collection vessel (not shown)) or information enabling the contents of a waste container 1 to be traced to a particular household container or waste bin.

It is understood that the vital parts of the label, i.e. the antenna coil and the chip can be arranged directly on or in the waste container 1, or on / in the material from which it is made. The term "label" is thus only to be interpreted as including the parts required to identify the waste container 1 based on radio frequencies.

The RFID label may be wholly or partly printed directly on the waste container by means of polymer electronics or paper electronics, for example of the type shown in US2004 / 0256644. Alternatively, the RFlD member may be attached to a separate closure member (not shown) adapted to be attached to and close the waste container. The identification means 2 can be registered by means of a sensor (not shown). The sensor can, for example, be in the form of an optical camera, which can capture at least one image of the container as it passes by the sensor. An identification means in the form of a single color, shade or, for example, a pattern can thus be identified and analyzed with the aid of image analysis. Such a process is shown, for example, in SE535704 C2. The color, shade or pattern type can also be characterized and determined by other types of analysis which the person skilled in the art can easily realize.

The sensor may also be of the type shown in SE8901046-6, WO9306945A1 and EPO759816B, which identifies a color or shade of the waste container 1 passing. An identification means in the form of color or color shade can be identified in this way.

The sensor may also be in the form of a scanner or reading means etc. which is configured to register waste containers 1 based on radio frequencies. An identification means in the form of an RFID device can thus be identified. The identification means 2 can further be analyzed by means of sensors connected to computers, and the method and the analysis can thus be completely automated.

For example, the color, hue, or pattern can be analyzed using sensors such as optical cameras connected to computers, and the procedure and analysis can thus be fully automated.

Fig. 2 is a simplified view of a sorting device 10 for waste containers 1. The sorting device comprises a feeder 11, which may be a conveyor belt, or a chute from which the waste containers 1 to be sorted are transported. The feed conveyor transports the containers to a second conveyor 12. Fig. 2 leads two parallel conveyors 12a, 12b to a sorting station series. A first sorting station 14a, 14b, is provided with a sensor arranged to analyze an identification means 2 arranged on the waste container 1 in accordance with the method described above. In the device 10 shown in Fig. 2, the waste containers pass three different sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a, each of which is provided with a sensor. The sensors may be arranged to detect the same or different types of waste containers.

The sorting stations further comprise one or more sorting means (not shown). Based on data from the sensor, a first control unit (not shown) controls one or more sorting means for removing waste containers containing different types of waste, from the conveyor into one or more vessels for storing waste containers with that type of waste, alternatively to additional conveyors or conveyor belts. for re-sorting.

The sorting means (not shown) can be arranged to selectively knock or push the waste container 1 away from the conveyor 12a, 12b so that the waste container ends up in a collection container (not shown). The control unit may be arranged to produce control signals to the sorting means / one based on the arrival time of the signals from the sensors of the sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a and knowledge of the transport speed at the conveyor 12a, 12b. This results in a sorting of the waste container into collection containers, which, e.g. may be intended to contain biodegradable or combustible material. Alternatively, the waste container is moved for further or repeated sorting on additional conveyors.

One or more of the sorting stations may be provided with a sensor of the type shown in SE8901046-6, WO9306945A1 and EPO759816B1, which identifies a color or a shade of the passing container, a signal representing said color or shade being sent to the first control unit.

One or more of the sorting stations may also be provided with a sensor arranged to analyze a pattern. In the case where the identification means 2 consists of a pattern, the sorting station, based on the analysis, emits a signal to the first control unit when the correct pattern is identified, which allows a sorting means (not shown) to remove the container provided with the detected pattern from the type conveyor into one. of containers for storage of the waste containers. In the device 10 shown in Fig. 2, the waste containers pass three different sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a, which may be arranged to detect the same or different pattern types. The sorting station may also be provided with sensors which allow identification of several different pattern types and sort these pegs in one or several vessels. This means that the device allows sorting of containers, each of which is provided with different patterns.

One or more of the sorting stations may also be provided with a sensor which reads the waste container 1 based on radio frequencies.

It is understood that the different sorting stations may contain the same type of sensors or different types of sensors to generate a first, second and / or third signal to the first control unit. The sensors can be arranged in any relative order. As a result, it does not matter which of the sensors registers the waste container 1 first. The signals from the different sensors are analyzed by means of the first control unit, whereby a comparison of the different signals for one and the same waste container is made to determine whether the waste container should be removed from the conveyor 12 or not.

For example, when using a first and a second sensor, the can waste containers are thus directed to a collection vessel, or another conveyor belt, based solely on the signal from the first sensor or based solely on the signal from the second sensor. Alternatively, the waste containers can be routed to a collection container or to another conveyor belt if, and only if, the signals from the first and second sensors correspond to each other with respect to whether and to which collection container the waste container is to be directed. In the event that the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor do not correspond to each other, the waste container can be returned for a new reading of the first and / or second sensor.

Alternatively, the waste container can be routed to a pre-sorted waste collection container.

Preferably, the waste container can be routed further for opening the waste container, in order to then identify the contents of the waste container for further sorting. contained, i.e. the material contained inside the waste container is analyzed and identified by means of, for example, an NlR measuring device, an X-ray analyzer and / or sound waves.

It is to be understood that the sorting device, the conveyor and the sorting means can be designed in a number of different ways. Conveyors of different types can be used, such as conveyor belts, screw conveyors, air conveyors, chain conveyors, etc. Tubes through which the waste containers are transported through overpressure, negative pressure and / or gravity can also be conveyors. The number of collecting vessels can also be varied according to the desired number of sorting fractions. The sorting means can also be designed arbitrarily. For example, the sorting means be an arm for separating waste containers, by tapping or pushing the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to regulate air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm, which can grip and lift the bag from the belt.

Fig. 3 illustrates a sorting device for sorting three different randomly distributed fractions of waste containers, the identification means consisting of a single pattern. The waste containers are fed into the device through three parallel inlets 11a, 11b, 11c. Through the feeds, the randomly distributed waste containers are transported along three parallel conveyors 12a, 12b, 12c at a certain interval, or next to each other, between the individual waste containers, for the waste waste containers to be able to be sorted at the sorting stations 14a-c, 15a-c, 16a-c, 17a -c, 18a-c, 19a-c, which are arranged in series one after the other. The individual waste containers can all be provided with specific patterns p1, p2, p3 in order to be detected by corresponding sensors at the sorting stations.

The containers provided with the first pattern p1 are identified and sorted at the two first sorting stations 14ac, 15a-c, the containers provided with the second pattern p2 are sorted at the two subsequent sorting stations 16a-c, 17a-c, and the containers provided with the third pattern p3, alternatively no pattern at all or alternatively bags with all different patterns, ie. "Other waste", is sorted at the two last sorting stations 18a-c, 19a-c. Sorting containers that can be identified by the same pattern at multiple consecutive sorting stations in this way increases capacity but also sorting accuracy.This device can also be constructed in a variety of ways, t It is also possible to combine sorting based on the pattern shown in Fig. 3 with color-coded sorting shown in EP1583618B1 and / or with RFID sorting.

According to the invention, the user sorts a specific fraction of waste into a single waste container 1a intended for it, and which is provided with an identification means 2 therefor. For example, the user can sort the organic waste in a container intended for it, and provided with identification means therefor. Alternatively, the specific waste fraction can be paper, plastic, textiles, newspapers, metal, glass, batteries, electronics, drug residues, etc. Other waste, the residual fraction, can be sorted in another waste container 1b. Alternatively, the user can sort the rest of the waste or parts of the rest. waste in additional specific fractions and waste containers 1c, 1d, eg paper, plastic, textiles, newspapers, metal, glass, batteries, electronics, drug residues, etc., where any waste that is not sorted into specific fractions is placed in the waste container 1b, which canvas is provided with identification means therefore. Waste containers 1c, 1d can also be provided with identification means 2 for further sorting. In an alternative embodiment, only the specific fraction of waste is sorted in a separate bag and the rest of the waste is placed without a container in the waste bin or in a larger bag.

Fig. 4a shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the sorting in accordance with the stated invention. When the waste containers 1a-1d arrive at the waste facility for sorting, they are usually transported from a hatch into the waste facility to a conveyor 12, for example in the form of a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the waste containers are first passed to one or more screening devices (see Fig. 4) for screening before being passed on to the conveyor 12. The screening may include one or more of known methods of screening such as finger screening, drum screening, screening using rotating shafts, shaking screening, wind screening , ballistic screening and / or screening by vibration. With the aid of the screening step, loose material, both large and small material, which could otherwise interfere with sorting, can be separated from the waste containers before they are carried on by means of the conveyor 12.

The conveyor 12 transports the waste containers 1a-1d past one or more sorting stations, the waste container 1a with the specific fraction being disposed of waste, for example to a collection container in the form of a container or the like, or to another sorting device, by any of the methods described herein. The waste container with the residual fraction 1b, or in the existing falling waste containers with the other different fractions 1c, 1d, is then transported further in the waste facility and opened. Alternatively, all waste containers with a specific fraction of waste, 1a, 1c, 1d can be sorted away, to a collection container in the form of a container or the like, or further to another sorting device, by one of the methods described herein, while only the waste container with the residual fraction 1b is transported further for to open.

Thus, the sorting according to the stated invention can be designed in different ways with respect to the number of waste containers which are transported further to be opened.

Waste containers with a specific fraction of waste can be transported further pre-opening and then sorted based on, for example, type of material, material quality or to separate 2D objects from 3D objects.

By combining the separation of specific fractions, eg container-containing organic material, and then opening and carrying out a further material sorting of other fractions, a very high-grade sorting of the waste is achieved.

It is also understood that the sorting according to the stated invention can be designed in different ways with respect to the order in which the various waste containers are sorted out. For example, the waste container with the residual fraction 1b can alternatively be separated from the conveyor in a first step, to a collection container. or further to another sorting device to be opened, while remaining waste containers with specific fractions of waste are transported further sorting according to any of the methods described herein.

Fig. 4a shows an embodiment in which waste containers with a specific fractional waste 1a and waste containers with a specific fraction of waste 1c are sorted away corresponding collecting containers, for example a container, for each fraction of waste by passing at least two sorting devices, the waste containers being sorted according to some methods. described herein, while waste containers with a specific fraction of waste 1d, as well as waste containers with a residual fraction of waste 1b are transported further for opening and further analysis and sorting.

The waste container can be opened by various means known to those skilled in the art.

The waste in the residual fraction, and where applicable specific fractions of waste, can then be sorted using different sorting techniques.

According to one embodiment, the contents of the opened waste container can undergo one or more metal separation steps before the further analysis or sorting (see Fig. 4a). Normally, magnetic metal is sorted out in a first step and non-magnetic metal, for example aluminum and copper, is sorted out in a second step. The contents of the opened waste container can also undergo one or more sieving steps (see Fig. 4a). For example, the further sorting may include sieving based on size and / or weight. Examples of methods that can be used include, but are not limited to; finger screening, drum screening, screening using rotating shafts, shaking screening, wind screening, ballistic screening and screening by vibration. The contents of the opened waste container can also undergo one or more steps whereby 2D objects and 3D objects are separated from each other.

Fig. 4a shows an embodiment in which the contents of the opened waste containers first undergo two metal separation steps for separating magnetic and non-magnetic metal. The contents are then transported on for two-sieve steps. For example, the contents may first pass a drum screen to separate secured inert material, such as small material such as stones or gravel, which may interfere with further sorting, and then pass a ballistic screen to separate 3D objects and 3D objects from each other. The waste in the fraction with 2D objects together the waste in the fraction with 3D objects is then further sorted into specific fractional waste, for example different types of material or different types of material quality, medium stone or several sorting techniques.

According to one embodiment, the waste is further analyzed and sorted using so-called infrared (NlFš) technology. Examples of such sorting are mentioned in CA2310838.

According to alternative embodiments, the content can be analyzed and sorted by means of X-ray technology, sound paths or other types of material identification techniques. Alternatively, the contents can be identified and analyzed by means of an identification means located on the material. The identification means may be, for example, a predetermined mark, pattern, RFID means, color, hue, one or more characters, bar code, QR code, tactile mark, etc. For example, a material or a package could be provided with an identification means based on type of material. Alternatively, a material or package could be provided with an identification means based on the quality of the pématerial / packaging material according to a predetermined classification of different material qualities. In this way, a further sorting can take place where the waste is not only sorted based on the type of material, but also the quality of the material. In the sorting process, it is also possible to introduce several steps for opening waste containers, the contents of which are then further sorted. For example, a single-threaded material may have an organic fraction, a fraction with newspapers, a fraction with textiles, a fraction with paper material in addition to newspapers, and a fraction with plastic and polymeric material, and a fraction for other waste. All fractions are sorted by your household and placed in the same waste bin for transport to the waste facility, or sorting facility. The fractions may also be provided with co-identification means 2 for identifying the contents of the waste containers. The sorting process can then, for example, the waste container containing the organic waste be separated, and then the other fractions or waste containers to the respective container or to be opened and sorted further. According to one embodiment, for example, the plastic or polymer fraction is separated and passed on for opening the waste container, whereby the contents of the plastic or polymer fraction are sorted by NRR technology, X-ray technology, sound paths, other type of material identification technology for further sorting by other techniques.

Fig. 4b shows an overall flow chart in accordance with the stated invention. In a first step, the waste containers can undergo a screening step in accordance with the description above. The conveyor 12 then transports the waste containers 1a-1d past one or more sorting stations, the waste containers being identified and sorted by any of the methods described herein. A sorting thus takes place with regard to waste containers, illustrated as "Bag sorting" in Fig. 4b, based on the waste containers' respective identification means 2. Waste containers with a specific fraction of waste, 1a, 1c, 1d are sorted into a collection container in the form of a container or similar, or further to another sorting device, by any of the methods described herein. Alternatively, one or more of the waste containers with a specific fraction of waste may be transported further to be opened and then undergo one or more material sorting steps, illustrated as "Material sorting" in Fig. 4b.l \ / the lateral sorting may for example contain one or more screening steps, one or more sorting steps for to sort 2D materials of different material type and / or different material quality, and / or one or more sorting steps to sort 3D material of different material type and / or different material quality. Since the specific fraction of waste contains metal, the material sorting may also contain one or more metal separation steps. Lateral sorting may involve analyzing and sorting the contents of the opened waste container using near infrared (NlFi) technology, X-ray technology, sound waves or other types of material identification techniques. Alternatively, the contents can be identified and analyzed by means of an identification means located on the material, as described above. The waste container 1b, intended to receive at least one additional fraction of waste, ie. the residual fraction, is separated or further transported to then be opened and then undergo one or more material sorting steps as described above.

It is understood that the embodiments and sorting steps described above can be combined in different ways and in alternative sequences, where the number of sorting steps is based on factors such as desired degree of recycling, number of fractionation materials to be obtained through the sorting process, desired purity of the material recovered by the sorting process. of 2D and 3D objects.

Claims (15)

A method for sorting waste, comprising providing at least two waste containers (1 a, 1b) designed to receive a quantity of waste, wherein a first of said at least two waste containers (1 a) is intended to receive a specific fraction of waste and a second of said at least two waste containers (1 b) is intended to receive at least one further fraction of waste, the waste containers (1 a, 1b) being provided with at least one identification means (2a, 2b) specific to the fraction of waste enclosed in the waste container. (1a, 1b), by means of a first sensor, registering said waste containers (1a, 1b) when they are transported by means of a conveyor (12), the registration being by reading said identification means (2a, 2b), that based on data from the first sensor control one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container (1a, 1b) by means of a first control unit, characterized in that, after the different waste containers have sep by means of at least one said sorting means, open the second of said at least two waste containers (1 b), and then identify the contents of the second waste container (1 b) for further sorting. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first waste container (1 a) is intended to receive organic material, paper, plastic, newspapers, textiles, metal, glass, electronic waste, batteries or drug residues. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification means (2a, 2b) is a color, a color shade, an RFID device, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern, a tactile mark, or a combination. hence. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more sorting means is an arm for pushing or knocking off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to control air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contents of the second waste container are identified for further sorting by analysis of the material and wherein a second control unit, based on data from the analysis, controls at least one second sorting means for sorting the contents of the second waste container. A method according to claim 5, wherein the analysis of the material is carried out by an NIR measuring device, an X-ray analyzer, sound waves and / or an identification means. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second sorting means is a single arm for pushing or knocking off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to regulate air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further sorting comprises one or more steps wherein separation of metal waste takes place. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further sorting comprises one or more steps wherein the waste is sieved. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further sorting comprises sorting 2D objects and 3D objects. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising providing at least a third and / or at least a fourth waste container (1c, 1d), each designed to receive a specific fraction of waste, and provided with at least one means of identification (2c , 2d) for that fraction of waste. A method according to claim 11, wherein said third and / or fourth waste container contains organic material, paper, plastic, newspapers, textiles, metal, glass, electronic waste, batteries and / or drug residues. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said waste container (1a-1d) has a content with a weight of more than 1 kg, preferably more than 2 kg, preferably more than 5 kg and preferably more than 10 kg. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said waste container (1 a-1 d) consists of a pass or leather consisting of polymeric material, paper, metal, plastic-coated paper, metal-coated plastic, metal-coated paper or a biodegradable material, or combinations thereof. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, by means of a second sensor, registering a second property of said waste containers when they are transported by means of the conveyor (12), and, based on data from the second sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container (1 a-1 d) by means of the first control unit.