WO2013089649A1 - Method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste - Google Patents

Method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013089649A1
WO2013089649A1 PCT/SI2012/000012 SI2012000012W WO2013089649A1 WO 2013089649 A1 WO2013089649 A1 WO 2013089649A1 SI 2012000012 W SI2012000012 W SI 2012000012W WO 2013089649 A1 WO2013089649 A1 WO 2013089649A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
waste
public
facility
household
processing unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SI2012/000012
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Janko Cerar
Peter Novak
Metod ŜKARJA
Milan ŜTURM
Original Assignee
Janko Cerar
Peter Novak
Skarja Metod
Sturm Milan
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Janko Cerar, Peter Novak, Skarja Metod, Sturm Milan filed Critical Janko Cerar
Publication of WO2013089649A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013089649A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
    • B65F1/14—Other constructional features; Accessories
    • B65F1/1484—Other constructional features; Accessories relating to the adaptation of receptacles to carry identification means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/108—Authorization means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/12—Crushing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/128—Data transmitting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/144—Level detecting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/162—Pressing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
    • B65F2210/184—Weighing means

Definitions

  • waste recovery Separate collection of waste; waste identification; waste traceability; costing of municipal services for waste management; waste recovery.
  • Waste is far from being something redundant, intended to be dumped at increasingly fuller landfills, but it is already a potential source of raw materials, which are increasingly being directed from environmentally friendly landfills to techonogically highly developed industrial recovery of waste into useful raw materials.
  • waste In the process of generating and transforming waste into reusable raw materials it is important that all members in the chain of waste generation are included.
  • the current relatively well-developed technology of separate collection of waste is already encountering problems in households and public utilities, since the problems of quality control and the method of payment for the removal of separated waste remain practically unsolved.
  • This invention includes a new, technologically highly developed system, where the waste is collected and separated directly at the location of household users.
  • the system also enables the public utility companies to control the quality of landfilled waste and at the same time reduces the volume of waste and ensures fair cost accounting to deliverers of waste.
  • the existing patents or solutions include various public waste facilities, to which packaged and/or compressed waste is transported through a conveyor belt or vertical channels. If the waste is not compressed and packaged in a household, some public waste facilities include the option of compressing and packaging waste when it enters the facility.
  • the subject of the invention is the method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at the household units, whereby household units are regarded as smaller communities, such as households, clubs, societies, smaller restaurants, smaller organisations or parts of larger organisations or any groups of people who are being encouraged to a controlled collection and separation of waste.
  • the method and equipment according to the invention solve the following technical problems of: - encouraging household units or smaller users to separate waste;
  • the method and equipment according to the invention include: one or more household waste processing units;
  • one or more public waste facilities or waste collection buildings a centre for managing public waste facilities or a control centre; an information system that links all other system components and ensures efficient and coordinated operation of the system on the basis of the logic integrated into the system management software.
  • the method and equipment comprise a comprehensive approach and modern information support that in practice enables simple separation of waste and payment on the basis of actual quantity of waste deposited.
  • the information system ensures the traceability of waste from its delivery into the public waste facility. It connects data on the individual household user delivering the waste, the type of waste delivered, the quantity of waste delivered and the time of waste delivery. The traceability of waste and the proper use of the public waste facility are additionally ensured by a video camera installed inside the public waste facility.
  • the household waste processing unit comprises devices installed inside a house/apartment or commercial premises and includes separate compartments for collecting various types of waste, e.g. organic waste, packaging, plastics, glass, paper and other waste (general municipal waste).
  • waste e.g. organic waste, packaging, plastics, glass, paper and other waste (general municipal waste).
  • the household waste processing unit may also comprise smaller compartments for collecting certain special waste, such as plastic bottle stoppers and used batteries, as well as other smaller hazardous or special waste (e.g. drugs).
  • certain special waste such as plastic bottle stoppers and used batteries, as well as other smaller hazardous or special waste (e.g. drugs).
  • the household waste processing unit therefore includes the following compartments: a compartment for crushed glass bottles and other glass packaging (jars), a compartment for compressed other packaging (cans, tins, plastic bottles, cardboard packaging for liquids etc.), a compartment for organic waste, a compartment for other waste, a compartment for paper (optional) and drawers for special waste (batteries, stoppers, drugs etc.).
  • the household waste processing unit is equipped with devices for compacting waste, such as electrical or manual devices for pressing, grinding and crushing waste.
  • Treated waste is stored inside the device in special waste units (drawers) that may be washable, depending on the type of waste. Waste inside these units may be additionally stored in fitting bags, e.g. organic waste is sorted in biodegradable bags for easier and cleaner emptying.
  • the household waste processing units include identification tags designed for identifying the type of waste when it is deposited in the public waste facility. If bags are used, the user can attach a bar-coded label on the bag (if he owns the bag) or the bags are already equipped with barcodes, if they are designed specifically for use in these household waste processing units. These barcodes are then used for identifying waste when it is deposited into the public waste facility.
  • Waste compaction is performed in various manners with devices integrated into the household waste processing unit. Waste is ground with spiral screws, grinders for organic waste, grinders for biological waste or in any other manner. Waste is compressed with devices with a bolting system, a bolt and a piston, through rotating cylinders, with hydraulic presses or in any other manner.
  • the pressing device may also include a heater, which ensures that the packaging retains a compact form after the compression. Waste is crushed with propeller- driven devices, with pistons, with a bolt and a piston, with rotating cylinders or in any other manner.
  • Accessories for collecting, sorting and packaging waste in household waste processing units facilitate the separation of waste into particular pre-determined fractions, such as: organic waste, packaging, plastics, glass, paper and other waste or general municipal waste.
  • the accessories also facilitate the collection of certain special waste, such as plastic bottle stoppers, used batteries and other smaller hazardous or special waste (e.g. drugs).
  • the attachments differ in the number and size of waste processing units, the design and technology of operation and additional functions. Modern devices are mostly automated and enable odourless operation, waste compression, packing into various packagings and units (usually bags) and identification of packaged units (e.g. with barcodes).
  • the accessories enable each user to pay the cost of waste removal and treatment that is proportional to the actual quantity of waste deposited. Such system opens up a possibility of rewarding users who reduce the quantity of waste with conscious waste management by charging them lower costs.
  • the waste data may be recorded in the barcode, RFID chips or other relevant digital or non-digital media, which facilitates data transmission to control centres.
  • the basic function of the accessories is the identification of the user and the establishment of a logical connection between the user, the type of waste and the measured weight of waste.
  • accessories for weighing and identification of waste do not physically pack and in most cases also do not identify waste, since this is performed already in household waste processing units, where separated waste is equipped with all the required data on the type of waste deposited in the packaging.
  • the accessories for weighing and identification comprise a weighing machine, a reader and a recorder.
  • a barcode, RFID or any other data medium may be issued and is then affixed to the bag or unit of the household waste processing unit.
  • the public waste facility or the waste collection building is designed to adapt as much as possible to both the spatial capacities of the specific area and the expected quantity of waste. If waste is not compressed and packaged by household users, some public waste facilities include the option of compressing and packaging waste when it enters the facility.
  • Public waste facilities can be divided into several interior compartments, while waste is distributed by a mechanism. The compartments of the public waste facility are adjusted to match the compartments of household waste processing units. They are equipped with a mechanism for easier lifting of compartments of household waste processing units, which empties the content from the compartments of household waste processing units into the relevant compartments of the public waste facility.
  • the public waste facility is a part of the combined system that also includes a relevant household waste processing unit and a relevant information system.
  • the public waste facility may be expanded with waste treatment devices, such as: glass crushing, cold or hot pressing of plastics or plastic bottles and other plastic packaging, pressing of other packaging, packaging of treated waste etc.
  • waste treatment devices such as: glass crushing, cold or hot pressing of plastics or plastic bottles and other plastic packaging, pressing of other packaging, packaging of treated waste etc.
  • the technology of waste treatment is similar to the technology described with the household waste processing unit, except that its size is not limited by the dimensions of the household furniture. The traceability of waste disposal and its fair accounting is guaranteed with this manner of disposal and treatment of waste as well.
  • the public waste facilities may be located above ground level (the storage of full public waste facilities at a height), on ground level (e.g. a shed, a garage, within a building) and below ground or partially below ground. Furthermore, public waste facilities may be installed outside or inside another building. There is also a possibility of remote monitoring of the fullness of public waste facilities.
  • the waste collection point is also equipped with a video camera for surveillance of the surroundings, a motion sensor and infra LED lighting for additional lighting of the surroundings at night. The video camera may be used for monitoring the deposited waste.
  • the waste collection point is designed in such a manner as to allow the disposal of certain special or hazardous waste.
  • the power supply of the system is provided through the external mains with own emergency power supply or for the majority of current locations only through own power supply.
  • the system allows the option of electricity supply from photovoltaic modules.
  • the public waste facility at the same time serves as a facility where useful devices may be installed, such as a defibrillator, a wi-fi spot, an info-point, a SOS-button, an ATM, a vending machine and similar.
  • the public waste facility management centre or the control centre is responsible for timely dispatch of waste from the public waste facility or the waste collection building.
  • the centre receives information on the volume of particular types of waste. With the assistance of the information centre the time of dispatch of waste from the public waste facility to the landfills or waste material recycling facilities is optimised.
  • the information system solves the following problems that arise in the process of waste recovery:
  • control centre includes the software for central control of the system operation.
  • the software may be used by one or more users - operators at the same time.
  • the information system processes and records at least the following data:
  • the information system ensures the capture of all the abovementioned data, which is then forwarded to the waste management company via a relevant secure communication channel to provide the cost accounts.
  • the method and equipment enable access to the user portal, where each user can review the data on all transactions and corresponding cost accounts upon entering his/her user name and password.
  • the portal displays also certain performance indicators (e.g. average quantities of waste delivered per person within a period of time) for the entire population in comparison to the values of the same indicators for the individual user. In this manner, each user can check if he/she deposits an above-average quantity of waste.
  • Each public waste facility is equipped with a communication channel, thorough which it sends the data to the information system in the control centre.
  • This channel is necessary for the efficient operation of the system and the implementation of the "polluter pays" principle, while at the same time this communication channel is used for monitoring the fullness level of public waste facilities.
  • the sensors integrated into the public waste facility signal the fullness level in each public waste facility to the control centre in real time via the said communication channel.
  • the control centre is instantly automatically notified on the filled public waste facility and the truck for emptying the facility can be on the way immediately.
  • the data on the transactions is stored into the local memory and from there automatically sent to the control centre as soon as the operation of the communication channel is restored.
  • the data may be transferred to the manual device carried by the truck driver or repairer.
  • the public waste facility automatically sends a status report to the control centre in pre-set adjustable time intervals (e.g. every hour) or on the basis of an explicit request by the system operator.
  • the status report includes the data on the current fullness level of compartments for all types of waste and the location/identification number of the shared public waste facility. If the period from the last received status report for a certain public waste facility exceeds the set time interval, an alert describing the possible communication problems on the public waste facility is displayed to the operator. The operator then makes sure that the problem is remedied by the service team.
  • Static time schedules for emptying the public waste facilities in individual areas of the city are replaced by dynamic schedules which are at any moment adapted to the current fullness level of public waste facilities and availability of vehicles for waste removal.
  • Each schedule also includes the optimal emptying sequence, calculated by an algorithm in the control centre on the basis of a list of public waste facilities that require emptying.
  • the information system interacts with the following actors:
  • - authorised user a person who has installed a household waste processing unit in his/her housing and has concluded a relevant waste removal contract with the waste removal and recovery company. On the basis of this contract the user acquires units for the household waste processing unit, marked with identifiers, for instance with RFID chips, which enable their unique identification;
  • the relevant competent service e.g. the security service or the control service, which forwards the call to the relevant service, if necessary.
  • the authorised user deposits household waste into the household waste processing unit installed in his/her housing. Once a certain compartment in the household waste processing unit is filled, the user takes it to the public waste facility to empty it. On the basis of the information on the household waste processing unit or any other packaging, the public waste facility automatically identifies the data on the user and type of waste deposited. On the basis of this information, the public waste facility releases the lid of the compartment for the relevant type of waste and enables emptying of the household waste processing unit compartment. The data on the weight of waste delivered is recorded and sent to the information system together with the data on the user, type of waste and date and time of disposal. The information system ensures that the transaction of waste delivery is recorded correctly into the database by the control centre.
  • the waste removal and recovery company issues the cost accounts.
  • the method and equipment require the identification of the user delivering waste into the public waste facility. Therefore, households should use special-purpose waste processing units of the household waste processing unit or units supported by the system, of defined dimensions and equipped with identification tags, preferably with the RFID chip.
  • the public waste facility reads the identification tags of the household waste processing unit at weighing. In this manner, the public waste facility identifies the user, checks the identity in the system and in the event of a valid waste disposal contract, it grants the disposal of waste to the user. If a household (user) does not want to use the recommended waste processing units for subjective reasons, it may use its own, provided that they are of appropriate dimensions. In this case, an identification reader is assumed for the public waste facility, which should be installed to the intended position by the user on his/her own unit of the household waste processing unit, thus being fully included in the system.
  • the identification on the basis of identification tag preferably the RFID chip, will not function.
  • a possible solution is to assign each user a key for opening the waste processing unit lid and depositing waste or a key for accessing the public waste facility. After restarting the device, it compares the new weight of the waste with the previous weight and the new level with the previous level via the integrated weighing machine (if it is integrated at the bottom) and sends reports to the control centre. In this case, waste disposal can be free of charge or it can be equally distributed among all users.
  • the public waste facility For normal operation, the public waste facility requires power supply.
  • the electric power supply can be provided from the mains, solar panels, accumulator batteries or any other source of power or a combination of the listed.
  • the public waste facility In the event of its connection to the power mains, the public waste facility may be equipped with an accumulator battery ensuring shorter system autonomy in case of failure of the primary source of power. Similar applies to other combinations of power sources available.
  • the public waste facilities may be designed in such a manner that in the event of a complete power failure, the container lids are unlocked automatically, thus enabling the users undisturbed emptying of the household waste processing unit.
  • the integrated security cameras are designed to prevent vandalism above the public waste facility, carry out video surveillance in the vicinity of the public waste facility and control the correctness of waste disposal.
  • the data on the waste deposited is connected to the images on the video camera. In this manner, the control of proper waste disposal is ensured. Recording via the security camera is activated in the following manners:
  • All recordings are stored in the memory until the expiry of validity.
  • the validity date is optional and is set by the system operator (e.g. 24 hours). After the expiry of the validity date, the recording is deleted. Recordings are transferred to the control centre at the request of the system operator or automatically. The video transfer is automatically sent to the control centre when the "PANIC" button is pressed or when the system identifies a possible attempt of vandalism.
  • the public waste facility will establish voice communication with the emergency number (e.g. 113) and enable the person pressing the "PANIC” button to communicate with the competent service.
  • the emergency number e.g. 113
  • the surroundings is recorded for at least the entire duration of the conversation.
  • the system may be set in such s manner that the recordings of all waste disposals are automatically transferred to the control centre. Each method of waste disposal is recorded.
  • the described method and equipment have a modular design, meaning that the equipment or method with the basic functionality may be upgraded with additional options, such as an additional waste processing unit for certain type of waste, video surveillance etc. Furthermore, the method and equipment may be expanded with additional elements, which enable improved traceability of the waste deposited, such as:
  • the method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at the location of household users are designed to enable traceability of waste and provide the data for the preparation of cost accounts according to the actual quantity of certain type of waste deposited.
  • the main elements for ensuring traceability are:
  • the method of controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at household units is an information upgrade of the conventional system for separate collection and removal of household waste. This means that:
  • control centre may be an autonomous actor; therefore, it need not be a part of the organisation performing the service of waste removal.
  • the option of connecting an external authorisation module is assumed for the method and equipment described in this invention.
  • Such module enables user identification without the use of identification tags, such as the RFID chip or barcode of the household waste processing unit.
  • the alternative authorisation module may be implemented in a form of a keypad, which is used for entering the PIN code by the user for the purpose of identification if the identification note, such as the RFID chip or the barcode, does not allow identification.
  • the alternative authorisation may be performed in the following manners:
  • the user enters his/her PIN code and an additional number at the end, which represents the code of the type of waste (e.g.: 0 - general, 1— glass, 2 - packaging etc.).
  • the system opens the waste unit that corresponds to the additional number; - the user enters his/her PIN code and presses a special key which defines the type of waste deposited.
  • a special keyboard is assumed, which includes a series of special keys for the selection of the type of waste in addition to the numerical part - one key for each type of waste.
  • the system opens the waste unit that corresponds to the key pressed.
  • the authorisation module enables the application of various authorisation mechanisms, such as the magnetic card authorisation or any other authorisation system.
  • the only requirement is that is can be connected to the serial or Ethernet bus and that the result of the authorisation is the user code and the type of waste deposited.
  • the software of the control centre is the information system which collects, stores, processes and distributes the data from the entire system for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at household units.
  • the information system includes the following components:
  • control user interface that enables the operators in the control centre to access all the system control functionalities
  • Time- and event-driven triggering enables the setting of sending e-mails or SMS messages in the case of a certain event.
  • This may be realised as a heap of scripts, each including its own interface to the SMS sending system, while alternatively, the WebServices (SOAP) WSDL contract may be available, implemented by the system for triggering informative events via web services;
  • SOAP WebServices
  • the server stores the data on all transactions of waste disposal, keeps a record of users, maintains an inventory of public waste facilities and their configurations (the number of compartments of individual types, the equipment available etc.) and metadata for video recordings;
  • the servers stores all other data that are not included in the database, such as video recordings, digital documents, images etc.;
  • the public waste facility uses both the indirect and direct communication with the control centre.
  • the public waste facility uses the continuous communication channel, such as the ipSec VPN tunnel via an established internet connection.
  • Such connection enables both the transfer of data from the public waste facility to the control centre and the initialisation of communication by the control centre.
  • the internet connection is established via fixed wireless internet access by applying the WiFi network or GSM UMTS connection technologies; however, the application of other widespread internet connections is also possible.
  • the system assumes an energy-efficient operation mode. Communication in this mode is established by the public waste facility upon the activation of triggers, such as the interaction with the surroundings (e.g. weighing of waste) or a GSM trigger call or an SMS sent from the control centre.
  • triggers such as the interaction with the surroundings (e.g. weighing of waste) or a GSM trigger call or an SMS sent from the control centre.
  • Such establishment and interruption of connection is transparent for the operator in the control centre and end users - due to the software.
  • the system When the system is in safe operation mode, it automatically shuts down or switches to low energy consumption mode and disconnects the internet connection to the control centre. The connection is reestablished on the basis of a stimulus, either from the surroundings or as a trigger call, received from the control centre.
  • each waste removal truck is equipped with a communication unit, which is recognised by the public waste facility during its emptying and the collected data and video recordings are transmitted to the unit. Such transmitted data is marked with a relevant flag in the internal memory.
  • the data stored in the communication unit of the truck is transferred to the control centre.
  • the information system of the control centre is responsible for preventing the duplication of data if the public waste facility has in the meantime already successfully transmitted the data to the control centre.
  • Figure 1 shows the household waste processing unit 1 , public waste facility 2, control centre 3, information system inside the public waste facility 4, information system inside the control centre 5, security camera 6 and security service 7.
  • Figure 2 shows the public waste facility 2, control centre 3, security camera 6, security service 7, authorised system user 8, unauthorised system user 9, area for emptying the household waste processing units 10, emergency call button 1 1, log of emptying of household waste processing units 12, user account data and linked data 13.
  • FIG. 3 shows the control centre 3, control user interface 14, interface for external users 15, database 16, file system 17, support systems 18, server 19 and alarm system 20.
  • the household waste processing unit 1 is a selection of units for separate waste collection which is in the exemplary embodiment installed in an apartment building or small residential district.
  • the specially adapted containers are used for separate collection of organic waste, packaging, plastic, glass, paper and other waste or general municipal waste.
  • Each container is equipped with a relevant identification, which contains stored data on the user of the household waste processing unit and the type of waste for which the container is designed.
  • the resident takes it to the public waste facility 2 to which he/she has access.
  • the quantity of waste is weighed in the public waste facility, while at the same time the data on the user of the household waste processing unit, the type and quantity of waste is automatically stored into the information system.
  • the data is automatically transmitted to the control centre 3 for managing public waste facilities, which monitors individual types of waste in the public waste facility 2 and provides a timely landfilling of individual type of waste or its dispatching to the waste material processing plant.
  • the information system provides the connection between all listed components of the system, ensuring a consistent operation of individual system modules (household waste processing unit 1, public waste facility 2, control centre 3), included in the method and equipment according to the invention.
  • the information system inside the public waste facility 4 sends the data to the information system inside the control centre 5.
  • the public waste facility 2 is equipped with a security camera 6 for monitoring the public waste facility, which sends the data to the security service 7 and control centre 3.
  • Figure 2 shows the authorisation of an authorised system user 8 and unauthorised system user 9.
  • the authorised user may empty his/her waste into the area for emptying household waste processing units in the public waste facility 2.
  • Both the authorised and unauthorised users have access to the emergency call button 1 1.
  • the security camera 6 Upon pressing the emergency call button 1 1 , the security camera 6 is activated. The image from the security camera 6 and the signal triggered by the pressing of the emergency call button 11 are immediately transmitted to the security service 7.
  • the authorised system user 8 has access to the log of emptying of household waste processing units 12 and the data on user account and linked data 13 on the application of the user interface via the supported medium.
  • the supported medium may be, for example, the internet or interactive television.
  • the information system in the control centre 3 in the exemplary embodiment comprises the control user interface 14, interface for external users 15, database 16, file system 17, support systems 18, server 19 and alarm system 20.

Abstract

The method and equipment according to the invention include: one or more household waste processing units (1), accessories for collection, sorting and packaging at household waste processing units (1), accessories for weighing and identification, one or more public waste facilities (2), a control centre (3) and an information centre (4, 5) that links all other components.

Description

METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONTROLLED COLLECTION AND
SEPARATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTE
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Field of Technology
Separate collection of waste; waste identification; waste traceability; costing of municipal services for waste management; waste recovery.
Technical Problem
With an increasing tendency and need for the separation of waste, a need for simple and efficient systems of waste disposal has arisen also in smaller units, such as households, various societies, smaller work organisations or any other smaller units where various types of waste are generated. In order to promote the awareness in waste management, it is necessary to ensure maximum control of traceability of waste disposal to ensure better sorting of landfilled waste and correct costing of waste management.
It is a fact that there are still problems with the promotion of waste separation in household units and the simplification of collection and separate disposal of individual types of waste. Normal cost accounts of waste removal and recovery is namely based on the distribution of total costs on the basis of various scales of distribution of costs which take into account the static categories, such as the surface area of real estate, the number of members of a household unit, the container volume, the frequency of container emptying etc. and their various combinations to calculate the contribution of each user. As a result of such cost accounting, household units are not in any way motivated for efficient waste management, since they pay approximately the same amount every month, regardless of the quantity of waste deposited and their concern for proper waste separation.
Due to the recent tendencies to reduce pollution of the environment there have been increasing efforts to promote recycling and prevent waste production, whereby the users' household units play an important role on account of their abundance. In view of the previous experience of implementing the system for separate collection of waste, much remains to be done in the future, especially to ensure fairer systems for separate collection of waste and to raise people's awareness, since without their active participation the excessive pollution of the environment cannot be sufficiently limited.
Waste is far from being something redundant, intended to be dumped at increasingly fuller landfills, but it is already a potential source of raw materials, which are increasingly being directed from environmentally friendly landfills to techonogically highly developed industrial recovery of waste into useful raw materials. In the process of generating and transforming waste into reusable raw materials it is important that all members in the chain of waste generation are included. However, the current relatively well-developed technology of separate collection of waste is already encountering problems in households and public utilities, since the problems of quality control and the method of payment for the removal of separated waste remain practically unsolved.
In the future, it will be of utmost importance to improve the system for separate collection of waste, especially from the following perspectives:
- reduction in the volume of waste collected and consequently also transport costs;
- traceability of waste generation and
- fair accounting of waste delivery.
This invention includes a new, technologically highly developed system, where the waste is collected and separated directly at the location of household users. The system also enables the public utility companies to control the quality of landfilled waste and at the same time reduces the volume of waste and ensures fair cost accounting to deliverers of waste. State of the Art
In the struggle to reduce pollution of the environment, several researches have been concluded and solutions have been found, which contributed to the reduced pollution of the environment. Various solutions can be found in patent specifications, scientific literature, brochures, periodicals etc.
The most current solution for the collection of waste outside the household units are systems for separate waste collection with several separate containers, the "door-to-door" collection system, where most commonly the containers in the immediate vicinity of housing units are used, underground waste collection systems for various types of waste and smaller underground systems for domestic external waste bins.
Most communities have implemented separate collection of waste with public waste bins for various types of waste: general waste, biomass, paper, glass, packaging, metals etc. Furthermore, some communities have already started the process of implementing separate collection of waste with coloured waste bags. The aim of such collection of waste is to reduce the quantity of general waste at the municipal dumping area. The process of collection and separation of waste with coloured bags at the location of the household units or the producer of waste is a good way of reducing the quantity of waste; however, it also has some shortcomings, such as: larger transport costs due to the transfer of separately collected waste, control of the correctness of waste collection and fair accounting of collected waste. In practice, local communities are endeavouring to implement the "polluter pays" principle; however, they mostly apply technologically simpler solutions, such as the introduction of compulsory purchase of special bags, counting the number of times the public waste facilities are emptied within a certain time period, accouting on the basis of unit volume etc.
There are various accessories for selective collection of waste on the market, such as modular bins and special kitchen fittings for separate collection of waste, devices for biological waste treatment, built-in manual presses and modern compactors. The existing devices for collection and/or sorting and/or packaging of waste are based on domestic waste collection systems for separate collection of waste. The devices differ in the number and size of waste collection units, the design and technology of operation and additional functions. There are not many devices for weighing and/or identification of waste at household units, since these devices are usually a part of larger systems.
The existing patents or solutions include various public waste facilities, to which packaged and/or compressed waste is transported through a conveyor belt or vertical channels. If the waste is not compressed and packaged in a household, some public waste facilities include the option of compressing and packaging waste when it enters the facility.
Technologically more advanced manners of separate collection of waste must be supported with an information system that enables continuous operation. The patented information system does not use the RFID chips or GPS coordinates for identification of public waste facilites. The disadvantage of such system is that the waste is weighed only when the public waste facility is emptied, which is not suitable for areas, where several smaller units share one facility.
Several patented systems also include protection against vandalism. Description of New Invention
The subject of the invention is the method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at the household units, whereby household units are regarded as smaller communities, such as households, clubs, societies, smaller restaurants, smaller organisations or parts of larger organisations or any groups of people who are being encouraged to a controlled collection and separation of waste.
The method and equipment according to the invention solve the following technical problems of: - encouraging household units or smaller users to separate waste;
simplifying the collection and separate disposal of individual types of waste; ensuring efficient and timely removal of waste;
ensuring traceability of waste and
ensuring cost accounting on the basis of actual quantities of individual types of waste deposited.
The method and equipment according to the invention include: one or more household waste processing units;
accessories for collection, sorting and packaging at the household units;
accessories for weighing and identification;
one or more public waste facilities or waste collection buildings; a centre for managing public waste facilities or a control centre; an information system that links all other system components and ensures efficient and coordinated operation of the system on the basis of the logic integrated into the system management software.
The method and equipment comprise a comprehensive approach and modern information support that in practice enables simple separation of waste and payment on the basis of actual quantity of waste deposited. The information system ensures the traceability of waste from its delivery into the public waste facility. It connects data on the individual household user delivering the waste, the type of waste delivered, the quantity of waste delivered and the time of waste delivery. The traceability of waste and the proper use of the public waste facility are additionally ensured by a video camera installed inside the public waste facility.
The household waste processing unit comprises devices installed inside a house/apartment or commercial premises and includes separate compartments for collecting various types of waste, e.g. organic waste, packaging, plastics, glass, paper and other waste (general municipal waste).
The household waste processing unit may also comprise smaller compartments for collecting certain special waste, such as plastic bottle stoppers and used batteries, as well as other smaller hazardous or special waste (e.g. drugs).
Particular models of household waste processing units may differ from one another. The household waste processing unit therefore includes the following compartments: a compartment for crushed glass bottles and other glass packaging (jars), a compartment for compressed other packaging (cans, tins, plastic bottles, cardboard packaging for liquids etc.), a compartment for organic waste, a compartment for other waste, a compartment for paper (optional) and drawers for special waste (batteries, stoppers, drugs etc.). The household waste processing unit is equipped with devices for compacting waste, such as electrical or manual devices for pressing, grinding and crushing waste. By compacting waste already in the household waste processing unit, the volume of waste is reduced to minimum and at the same time the frequency of emptying both the household waste processing unit and the public waste facility is reduced.
Treated waste is stored inside the device in special waste units (drawers) that may be washable, depending on the type of waste. Waste inside these units may be additionally stored in fitting bags, e.g. organic waste is sorted in biodegradable bags for easier and cleaner emptying. The household waste processing units include identification tags designed for identifying the type of waste when it is deposited in the public waste facility. If bags are used, the user can attach a bar-coded label on the bag (if he owns the bag) or the bags are already equipped with barcodes, if they are designed specifically for use in these household waste processing units. These barcodes are then used for identifying waste when it is deposited into the public waste facility.
Waste compaction is performed in various manners with devices integrated into the household waste processing unit. Waste is ground with spiral screws, grinders for organic waste, grinders for biological waste or in any other manner. Waste is compressed with devices with a bolting system, a bolt and a piston, through rotating cylinders, with hydraulic presses or in any other manner. The pressing device may also include a heater, which ensures that the packaging retains a compact form after the compression. Waste is crushed with propeller- driven devices, with pistons, with a bolt and a piston, with rotating cylinders or in any other manner.
Accessories for collecting, sorting and packaging waste in household waste processing units facilitate the separation of waste into particular pre-determined fractions, such as: organic waste, packaging, plastics, glass, paper and other waste or general municipal waste. The accessories also facilitate the collection of certain special waste, such as plastic bottle stoppers, used batteries and other smaller hazardous or special waste (e.g. drugs). The attachments differ in the number and size of waste processing units, the design and technology of operation and additional functions. Modern devices are mostly automated and enable odourless operation, waste compression, packing into various packagings and units (usually bags) and identification of packaged units (e.g. with barcodes).
Accessories for weighing and identification represent an important part of the complete solution of the system for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste. The accessories enable each user to pay the cost of waste removal and treatment that is proportional to the actual quantity of waste deposited. Such system opens up a possibility of rewarding users who reduce the quantity of waste with conscious waste management by charging them lower costs. The waste data may be recorded in the barcode, RFID chips or other relevant digital or non-digital media, which facilitates data transmission to control centres. The basic function of the accessories is the identification of the user and the establishment of a logical connection between the user, the type of waste and the measured weight of waste. Generally, accessories for weighing and identification of waste do not physically pack and in most cases also do not identify waste, since this is performed already in household waste processing units, where separated waste is equipped with all the required data on the type of waste deposited in the packaging. In general, the accessories for weighing and identification comprise a weighing machine, a reader and a recorder. During the weighing, a barcode, RFID or any other data medium may be issued and is then affixed to the bag or unit of the household waste processing unit.
The public waste facility or the waste collection building is designed to adapt as much as possible to both the spatial capacities of the specific area and the expected quantity of waste. If waste is not compressed and packaged by household users, some public waste facilities include the option of compressing and packaging waste when it enters the facility. Public waste facilities can be divided into several interior compartments, while waste is distributed by a mechanism. The compartments of the public waste facility are adjusted to match the compartments of household waste processing units. They are equipped with a mechanism for easier lifting of compartments of household waste processing units, which empties the content from the compartments of household waste processing units into the relevant compartments of the public waste facility. The public waste facility is a part of the combined system that also includes a relevant household waste processing unit and a relevant information system. The public waste facility may be expanded with waste treatment devices, such as: glass crushing, cold or hot pressing of plastics or plastic bottles and other plastic packaging, pressing of other packaging, packaging of treated waste etc. The technology of waste treatment is similar to the technology described with the household waste processing unit, except that its size is not limited by the dimensions of the household furniture. The traceability of waste disposal and its fair accounting is guaranteed with this manner of disposal and treatment of waste as well.
The public waste facilities may be located above ground level (the storage of full public waste facilities at a height), on ground level (e.g. a shed, a garage, within a building) and below ground or partially below ground. Furthermore, public waste facilities may be installed outside or inside another building. There is also a possibility of remote monitoring of the fullness of public waste facilities. The waste collection point is also equipped with a video camera for surveillance of the surroundings, a motion sensor and infra LED lighting for additional lighting of the surroundings at night. The video camera may be used for monitoring the deposited waste. The waste collection point is designed in such a manner as to allow the disposal of certain special or hazardous waste. The power supply of the system is provided through the external mains with own emergency power supply or for the majority of current locations only through own power supply. The system allows the option of electricity supply from photovoltaic modules. The public waste facility at the same time serves as a facility where useful devices may be installed, such as a defibrillator, a wi-fi spot, an info-point, a SOS-button, an ATM, a vending machine and similar.
The public waste facility management centre or the control centre is responsible for timely dispatch of waste from the public waste facility or the waste collection building. The centre receives information on the volume of particular types of waste. With the assistance of the information centre the time of dispatch of waste from the public waste facility to the landfills or waste material recycling facilities is optimised.
The information system solves the following problems that arise in the process of waste recovery:
- how to encourage household users or smaller user units to separate waste; - how to simplify the collection and separate disposal of particular types of waste as much as possible;
- how to ensure optimum traceability of disposal and accounting of waste;
- how to ensure efficient and timely removal of waste.
In the light of information infrastructure, on the basis of the logic that is integrated into the system management software the information system provides an efficient and coordinated operation of:
- the household waste processing unit;
- the public waste facility;
- the control centre - organisational unit in the company, independent concessionaire or operator responsible for removal in a certain region. The control centre includes the software for central control of the system operation. The software may be used by one or more users - operators at the same time.
The information system processes and records at least the following data:
- the data on the quantity of waste deposited: the most commonly used units are weight and/or volume;
- the data on the type of waste deposited: various types of waste have a different impact on the environment, which is also connected with the costs of its recovery. For instance, easily recyclable waste is charged at a low price, while non-recyclable waste or waste with high costs of recovery is charged at an appropriately higher price and waste that can be used for other purposes may be charged as polluter's "income";
- the data on the correctness of waste disposal;
- the data on the user.
The information system ensures the capture of all the abovementioned data, which is then forwarded to the waste management company via a relevant secure communication channel to provide the cost accounts. In order to raise the awareness of users and ensure the transparency of operations, the method and equipment enable access to the user portal, where each user can review the data on all transactions and corresponding cost accounts upon entering his/her user name and password. To encourage as sensible waste management as possible, the portal displays also certain performance indicators (e.g. average quantities of waste delivered per person within a period of time) for the entire population in comparison to the values of the same indicators for the individual user. In this manner, each user can check if he/she deposits an above-average quantity of waste.
Each public waste facility is equipped with a communication channel, thorough which it sends the data to the information system in the control centre. This channel is necessary for the efficient operation of the system and the implementation of the "polluter pays" principle, while at the same time this communication channel is used for monitoring the fullness level of public waste facilities. The sensors integrated into the public waste facility signal the fullness level in each public waste facility to the control centre in real time via the said communication channel. Currently, if one or more users deposit an above-average quantity of waste, thus filling the public waste facility, other users have no other option but to wait for the date of the next emptying. With the new system the control centre is instantly automatically notified on the filled public waste facility and the truck for emptying the facility can be on the way immediately. If the public waste facility cannot send the data on the waste deposited into the control centre due to the failure in the communication channel, the data on the transactions is stored into the local memory and from there automatically sent to the control centre as soon as the operation of the communication channel is restored. Alternatively, the data may be transferred to the manual device carried by the truck driver or repairer.
The public waste facility automatically sends a status report to the control centre in pre-set adjustable time intervals (e.g. every hour) or on the basis of an explicit request by the system operator. The status report includes the data on the current fullness level of compartments for all types of waste and the location/identification number of the shared public waste facility. If the period from the last received status report for a certain public waste facility exceeds the set time interval, an alert describing the possible communication problems on the public waste facility is displayed to the operator. The operator then makes sure that the problem is remedied by the service team.
Static time schedules for emptying the public waste facilities in individual areas of the city are replaced by dynamic schedules which are at any moment adapted to the current fullness level of public waste facilities and availability of vehicles for waste removal. Each schedule also includes the optimal emptying sequence, calculated by an algorithm in the control centre on the basis of a list of public waste facilities that require emptying.
The information system interacts with the following actors:
- authorised user: a person who has installed a household waste processing unit in his/her housing and has concluded a relevant waste removal contract with the waste removal and recovery company. On the basis of this contract the user acquires units for the household waste processing unit, marked with identifiers, for instance with RFID chips, which enable their unique identification;
- waste removal and recovery company; an organisation responsible for the removal and recovery of waste and issues invoices for this service to the authorised users;
- unauthorised user: a person who has not concluded a contract with the waste removal and recovery company and therefore cannot deposit waste into the public waste facility;
- operator: an employee at the control centre responsible for monitoring the operation of the system and is at the same time responsible for taking actions in case of problems in the operation of the system;
- security service: upon pressing the "PANIC" button on the public waste facility, it establishes a telephone connection with the relevant competent service (e.g. the security service or the control service, which forwards the call to the relevant service, if necessary).
The authorised user deposits household waste into the household waste processing unit installed in his/her housing. Once a certain compartment in the household waste processing unit is filled, the user takes it to the public waste facility to empty it. On the basis of the information on the household waste processing unit or any other packaging, the public waste facility automatically identifies the data on the user and type of waste deposited. On the basis of this information, the public waste facility releases the lid of the compartment for the relevant type of waste and enables emptying of the household waste processing unit compartment. The data on the weight of waste delivered is recorded and sent to the information system together with the data on the user, type of waste and date and time of disposal. The information system ensures that the transaction of waste delivery is recorded correctly into the database by the control centre. On the basis of the transactions recorded in the database, the waste removal and recovery company issues the cost accounts. The method and equipment require the identification of the user delivering waste into the public waste facility. Therefore, households should use special-purpose waste processing units of the household waste processing unit or units supported by the system, of defined dimensions and equipped with identification tags, preferably with the RFID chip. The public waste facility reads the identification tags of the household waste processing unit at weighing. In this manner, the public waste facility identifies the user, checks the identity in the system and in the event of a valid waste disposal contract, it grants the disposal of waste to the user. If a household (user) does not want to use the recommended waste processing units for subjective reasons, it may use its own, provided that they are of appropriate dimensions. In this case, an identification reader is assumed for the public waste facility, which should be installed to the intended position by the user on his/her own unit of the household waste processing unit, thus being fully included in the system.
In case of damage to the identification tag installed on the housing of the household waste processing unit compartment or any other packaging, it may occur that the public waste facility will not identify the authorised user and will not allow data transmission. Therefore, in addition to the identification tag on the waste processing unit or any other packaging (greater comfort), alternative identification mechanisms are included, e.g. by entering a password via the keypad on the public waste facility (similar to the keypad on electromechanical bollards) or using a card, which is inserted into the slot. The card is essential in any event, since it is a document proving that the person is an authorised user. An alternative or additional version with a key and manual emergency opening is also possible. Automatic identification is possible only when the public waste facility has sufficient power for operation. In the event of a power source failure, the identification on the basis of identification tag, preferably the RFID chip, will not function. A possible solution is to assign each user a key for opening the waste processing unit lid and depositing waste or a key for accessing the public waste facility. After restarting the device, it compares the new weight of the waste with the previous weight and the new level with the previous level via the integrated weighing machine (if it is integrated at the bottom) and sends reports to the control centre. In this case, waste disposal can be free of charge or it can be equally distributed among all users.
For normal operation, the public waste facility requires power supply. The electric power supply can be provided from the mains, solar panels, accumulator batteries or any other source of power or a combination of the listed. In the event of its connection to the power mains, the public waste facility may be equipped with an accumulator battery ensuring shorter system autonomy in case of failure of the primary source of power. Similar applies to other combinations of power sources available. The public waste facilities may be designed in such a manner that in the event of a complete power failure, the container lids are unlocked automatically, thus enabling the users undisturbed emptying of the household waste processing unit.
In addition to the basic functionality of collecting waste, the method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste in households enable also two safety functions, which are very useful especially in noisy urban environments, namely:
- the possibility of remote surveillance of the surroundings via the integrated security camera;
- the possible use of an emergency call button.
The integrated security cameras are designed to prevent vandalism above the public waste facility, carry out video surveillance in the vicinity of the public waste facility and control the correctness of waste disposal. The data on the waste deposited is connected to the images on the video camera. In this manner, the control of proper waste disposal is ensured. Recording via the security camera is activated in the following manners:
- automatically on the basis of motion detected by the motion sensor connected to the video camera;
- at the request of the operator from the central control centre;
- upon pressing the emergency call button.
All recordings are stored in the memory until the expiry of validity. The validity date is optional and is set by the system operator (e.g. 24 hours). After the expiry of the validity date, the recording is deleted. Recordings are transferred to the control centre at the request of the system operator or automatically. The video transfer is automatically sent to the control centre when the "PANIC" button is pressed or when the system identifies a possible attempt of vandalism. After the "PANIC" button is pressed, the public waste facility will establish voice communication with the emergency number (e.g. 113) and enable the person pressing the "PANIC" button to communicate with the competent service. After the "PANIC" button is pressed, the surroundings is recorded for at least the entire duration of the conversation.
If the operator carries out enhanced control of the correctness of waste disposal, the system may be set in such s manner that the recordings of all waste disposals are automatically transferred to the control centre. Each method of waste disposal is recorded.
The described method and equipment have a modular design, meaning that the equipment or method with the basic functionality may be upgraded with additional options, such as an additional waste processing unit for certain type of waste, video surveillance etc. Furthermore, the method and equipment may be expanded with additional elements, which enable improved traceability of the waste deposited, such as:
- by implementing special bags with unique user codes;
- by recording waste disposal;
- by implementing additional identification of the waste deposited.
The method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at the location of household users are designed to enable traceability of waste and provide the data for the preparation of cost accounts according to the actual quantity of certain type of waste deposited. The main elements for ensuring traceability are:
- proper disposal of waste into separate units of household waste processing units;
- possible notification of the user on a filled unit of the household waste processing unit;
- enabling every user of the system to access the public waste facilities;
- weighing the quantity of the waste deposited;
- controlled opening of a relevant public waste facility according to the type of waste in the unit of the household waste processing unit;
- recording or video surveillance of every disposal of waste; - appropriate identification or registration of the quantity and type of the waste deposited, as well as the identification number of the user;
- direct transfer of data on the waste deposited (numeric, visual or video) to the control system;
- immediate control of data on the appropriateness of the type of waste deposited;
- accounts of costs or income per individual system user according to the quantity and type of the waste deposited.
For proper functioning of the method of controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at household units, the central coordination of actions and communication channels between individual actors is crucial.
The method of controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at household units is an information upgrade of the conventional system for separate collection and removal of household waste. This means that:
- in the event of a possible failure of the control centre, the removal of waste is still performed in a "conventional manner";
- the control centre may be an autonomous actor; therefore, it need not be a part of the organisation performing the service of waste removal.
The option of connecting an external authorisation module is assumed for the method and equipment described in this invention. Such module enables user identification without the use of identification tags, such as the RFID chip or barcode of the household waste processing unit. The alternative authorisation module may be implemented in a form of a keypad, which is used for entering the PIN code by the user for the purpose of identification if the identification note, such as the RFID chip or the barcode, does not allow identification. The alternative authorisation may be performed in the following manners:
- the user enters his/her PIN code and if it is correct, after the weighing the system opens the unit designed for general, i.e. unseparated waste;
- the user enters his/her PIN code and an additional number at the end, which represents the code of the type of waste (e.g.: 0 - general, 1— glass, 2 - packaging etc.). After the weighing, the system opens the waste unit that corresponds to the additional number; - the user enters his/her PIN code and presses a special key which defines the type of waste deposited. For this solution a special keyboard is assumed, which includes a series of special keys for the selection of the type of waste in addition to the numerical part - one key for each type of waste. After the weighing, the system opens the waste unit that corresponds to the key pressed.
Instead of the keypad, the authorisation module enables the application of various authorisation mechanisms, such as the magnetic card authorisation or any other authorisation system. The only requirement is that is can be connected to the serial or Ethernet bus and that the result of the authorisation is the user code and the type of waste deposited.
The software of the control centre is the information system which collects, stores, processes and distributes the data from the entire system for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste at household units.
The information system includes the following components:
- a control user interface that enables the operators in the control centre to access all the system control functionalities;
- an interface for external users that enables authorised users to access their own personal portal, where they can check their consumption, personal data, statistical data, communicate with the waste recovery company, report suspected abuse etc.
- a server that processes requests received from the user interfaces and public waste facilities and stores the data on business events in accordance with the business logic and settings into the database and file system. Time- and event-driven triggering enables the setting of sending e-mails or SMS messages in the case of a certain event. This may be realised as a heap of scripts, each including its own interface to the SMS sending system, while alternatively, the WebServices (SOAP) WSDL contract may be available, implemented by the system for triggering informative events via web services;
- a database, where the server stores the data on all transactions of waste disposal, keeps a record of users, maintains an inventory of public waste facilities and their configurations (the number of compartments of individual types, the equipment available etc.) and metadata for video recordings;
- a file system where the servers stores all other data that are not included in the database, such as video recordings, digital documents, images etc.;
- support systems responsible for support functions, such as planning of waste removal. Users access the system in two manners, depending on the type of user. The users of the information system users are contractual users and users employed in the control centre.
The public waste facility uses both the indirect and direct communication with the control centre. In the normal operation, the public waste facility uses the continuous communication channel, such as the ipSec VPN tunnel via an established internet connection. Such connection enables both the transfer of data from the public waste facility to the control centre and the initialisation of communication by the control centre.
Normally, the internet connection is established via fixed wireless internet access by applying the WiFi network or GSM UMTS connection technologies; however, the application of other widespread internet connections is also possible. When the public waste facility is not connected to the electricity supply, meaning that the quantity of electric power available is limited, the system assumes an energy-efficient operation mode. Communication in this mode is established by the public waste facility upon the activation of triggers, such as the interaction with the surroundings (e.g. weighing of waste) or a GSM trigger call or an SMS sent from the control centre. Such establishment and interruption of connection is transparent for the operator in the control centre and end users - due to the software. When the system is in safe operation mode, it automatically shuts down or switches to low energy consumption mode and disconnects the internet connection to the control centre. The connection is reestablished on the basis of a stimulus, either from the surroundings or as a trigger call, received from the control centre.
In addition to the direct communication of the public waste facility with the control centre via internet connection, indirect communication is also possible by applying an "intermediate element". Such communication is used by the public waste facility in exceptional circumstances, in the event of an internet communication failure. For this purpose, each waste removal truck is equipped with a communication unit, which is recognised by the public waste facility during its emptying and the collected data and video recordings are transmitted to the unit. Such transmitted data is marked with a relevant flag in the internal memory. When the truck reaches the base, the data stored in the communication unit of the truck is transferred to the control centre. The information system of the control centre is responsible for preventing the duplication of data if the public waste facility has in the meantime already successfully transmitted the data to the control centre.
Essence of the invention is further explained below with description of embodiment and attached figures whereby the figures are part of this patent application, and show:
Figure 1 shows the household waste processing unit 1 , public waste facility 2, control centre 3, information system inside the public waste facility 4, information system inside the control centre 5, security camera 6 and security service 7.
Figure 2 shows the public waste facility 2, control centre 3, security camera 6, security service 7, authorised system user 8, unauthorised system user 9, area for emptying the household waste processing units 10, emergency call button 1 1, log of emptying of household waste processing units 12, user account data and linked data 13.
Figure 3 shows the control centre 3, control user interface 14, interface for external users 15, database 16, file system 17, support systems 18, server 19 and alarm system 20.
Exemplary embodiment:
The household waste processing unit 1 is a selection of units for separate waste collection which is in the exemplary embodiment installed in an apartment building or small residential district. The specially adapted containers are used for separate collection of organic waste, packaging, plastic, glass, paper and other waste or general municipal waste. Each container is equipped with a relevant identification, which contains stored data on the user of the household waste processing unit and the type of waste for which the container is designed. When an individual packaging container is filled, the resident takes it to the public waste facility 2 to which he/she has access. The quantity of waste is weighed in the public waste facility, while at the same time the data on the user of the household waste processing unit, the type and quantity of waste is automatically stored into the information system. The data is automatically transmitted to the control centre 3 for managing public waste facilities, which monitors individual types of waste in the public waste facility 2 and provides a timely landfilling of individual type of waste or its dispatching to the waste material processing plant. The information system provides the connection between all listed components of the system, ensuring a consistent operation of individual system modules (household waste processing unit 1, public waste facility 2, control centre 3), included in the method and equipment according to the invention. The information system inside the public waste facility 4 sends the data to the information system inside the control centre 5. The public waste facility 2 is equipped with a security camera 6 for monitoring the public waste facility, which sends the data to the security service 7 and control centre 3.
Figure 2 shows the authorisation of an authorised system user 8 and unauthorised system user 9. The authorised user may empty his/her waste into the area for emptying household waste processing units in the public waste facility 2. Both the authorised and unauthorised users have access to the emergency call button 1 1. Upon pressing the emergency call button 1 1 , the security camera 6 is activated. The image from the security camera 6 and the signal triggered by the pressing of the emergency call button 11 are immediately transmitted to the security service 7. In the control centre 3, the authorised system user 8 has access to the log of emptying of household waste processing units 12 and the data on user account and linked data 13 on the application of the user interface via the supported medium. The supported medium may be, for example, the internet or interactive television.
The information system in the control centre 3 in the exemplary embodiment comprises the control user interface 14, interface for external users 15, database 16, file system 17, support systems 18, server 19 and alarm system 20.
It is self evident that the above described invention can be also used in other particular form not changing the substance of the invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. Method for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste characterized in that it comprises at least one household waste processing unit, at least one public waste facility, control centre and information centre that links household waste processing units, public waste facilities and control centre and on the basis of the logic integrated into the software for system management ensures efficient and coordinated operation of the control centre and traceability of waste from its delivery into the public waste facility on the basis of the identification of the household waste processing unit and enabled access to only the relevant public waste facilities or parts of public waste facilities.
2. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the compacting of waste is performed in the household waste processing unit.
3. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the compacting of waste is performed in the public waste facility.
4. The method according to any claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the compression of waste is performed in the household waste processing unit.
5. The method according to any claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the grinding of waste is performed in the household waste processing unit.
6. The method according to any claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the crushing of waste is performed in the household waste processing unit.
7. The method according to any claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 6 characterized in that the compression of waste is performed in the public waste facility.
8. The method according to any claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 7 characterized in that the grinding of waste is performed in the public waste facility.
9. The method according to any claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 8 characterized in that the crushing of waste is performed in the public waste facility.
10. The method according to any claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the data on the type of waste is recorded in the barcode, RFID chips or other relevant digital or non-digital media.
1 1. The method according to any claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the level of public waste facilities is remotely monitored.
12. The method according to any claims 1 to 1 1 characterized in that the control centre ensures a timely dispatch of the waste from the public waste facility on the basis of the data on the fullness level of the public waste facility.
13. The method according to any claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the application of the information system optimises the time of dispatch of the waste from the public waste facility to landfills or waste material recycling facilities on the basis of the fullness level of units and availability of vehicles.
14. The method according to any claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the information system processes and stores at least the data on the quantity of waste deposited, the data on the type of waste deposited, the data on the correctness of waste disposal and the data on the user.
15. The method according to any claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the information system ensures the capture of data, which is then transmitted to the waste management company via a secure communication channel.
16. The method according to any claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the user has access to the user portal, where he/she can upon identification review the data on all his/her transactions and corresponding accounts.
17. The method according to any claims 1 to 16 characterized in that the user has access to the user portal, where he/she can upon entering the user name and password review the data on all his/her transactions and corresponding accounts.
18. The method according to any claims 1 to 17 characterized in that the public waste facility automatically sends a status report to the pre-set control centre in adjustable time intervals.
19. The method according to any claims 1 to 18 characterized in that the public waste facility sends a status report to the control centre on the basis of an explicit request by the system operator.
20. The method according to any claims 1 to 19 characterized in that the static time schedules for emptying the waste units by individual areas are replaced by dynamic schedules, which are at any time adapted to the current fullness level of units and availability of vehicles for waste removal.
21. The method according to any claims 1 to 20 characterized in that the information system interacts with the authorised user, the waste removal and recovery company, the unauthorised user, the operator and the security service.
22. The method according to any claims 1 to 21 characterized in that the public waste facility reads the identification tags of the household waste processing unit at weighing and determines the identity of the user, checks it in the system and in the event of a valid waste disposal contract, it enables the disposal of waste to the user.
23. The method according to any claims 1 to 22 characterized in that in the event of a power failure, the container lids in the public waste facility are unlocked automatically, thus enabling the users undisturbed emptying of units of the household waste processing unit.
24. The method according to any claims 1 to 23 characterized in that the communication between the public waste facility and the control centre is established through an intermediate element, so that each waste removal truck is equipped with a communication unit, which is recognised by the public waste facility during its emptying and the collected data is transmitted to the unit.
25. Equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste characterized in that it comprises at least one household waste processing unit, at least one public waste facility, control centre and information centre that links household waste processing units, public waste facilities and control centre and on the basis of the logic integrated into the software for system management ensures efficient and coordinated operation of the control centre and traceability of waste from its delivery into the public waste facility on the basis of the identification on the household waste processing unit and enabled access to only the relevant public waste facilities or parts of public waste facilities.
26. The equipment according to claim 25 characterized in that the public waste facility is equipped with a video camera that records the disposal of waste.
27. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 26 characterized in that it includes accessories for collection of waste at the household waste processing unit.
28. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 27 characterized in that it includes accessories for sorting of waste at the household waste processing unit.
29. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 28 characterized in that it includes accessories for packaging of waste at the household waste processing unit.
30. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 26 and 28 to 29 characterized in that it includes accessories for collection of waste at the public waste facility.
31. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 27 and 29 to 30 characterized in that it includes accessories for sorting of waste at the public waste facility.
32. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 28 and 30 to 31 characterized in that it includes accessories for packaging of waste at the public waste facility.
33. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 32 characterized in that the public waste facility includes accessories for weighing.
34. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 33 characterized in that the public waste facility includes accessories for identification of waste.
35. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 34 characterized in that the accessories for weighing and identification comprise a weighing machine, a reader and a recorder.
36. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 35 characterized in that the public waste facility includes: a video camera for surveillance of the surroundings, a motion sensor and infra LED lighting for additional lighting of the surroundings at night.
37. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 36 characterized in that the public waste facility is equipped with useful devices, such as a defibrillator, a wi-fi spot, an info-point, a SOS-button, an ATM or a vending machine.
38. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 37 characterized in that the public waste facility includes an emergency call button.
39. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 38 characterized in that the information system comprises a control user interface, an interface for external users, a server, a database, a file system and support systems.
40. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 39 characterized in that the data on the type of waste is recorded in the barcode, RFID chips or other relevant digital or non- digital media, which facilitates data transmission to control centres.
41. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 40 characterized in that it provides remote monitoring of the fullness level of public waste facilities.
42. The equipment according to any claims 25 to 41 characterized in that it has a modular design and allows subsequent upgrades with additional options.
PCT/SI2012/000012 2011-12-15 2012-03-09 Method and equipment for controlled collection and separation of municipal waste WO2013089649A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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SI201100468A SI23945A (en) 2011-12-15 2011-12-15 Process and equipment for controlled urban waste collection and separation
SIP-201100468 2011-12-15

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WO (1) WO2013089649A1 (en)

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CN104386388A (en) * 2014-09-26 2015-03-04 潘杰 Intelligent waste classification and recovery system and recovery method thereof
CN104787522A (en) * 2015-03-04 2015-07-22 郑州西普德节能科技股份有限公司 Local alarm salvation terminal based on Internet of Things
ES2662294A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Ros Roca, S.A. SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR MANAGEMENT OF WASTE COLLECTION AND URBAN WASTE CONTAINER (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2018130901A1 (en) * 2017-01-16 2018-07-19 Kolimat Srl Method and apparatus for waste collection and determination
CN108328154A (en) * 2018-03-13 2018-07-27 南京逻彬泰克科技有限公司 A kind of Intelligent refuse classification recovery system and method
WO2019162710A1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2019-08-29 Stengos Georgios Waste collection bin with advanced features
EP3533727A1 (en) * 2018-02-28 2019-09-04 Distromel, S.A. System for selective collection of household waste
CN110598604A (en) * 2019-08-30 2019-12-20 深圳市英尔科技有限公司 Intelligent supervision method and device for classified garbage putting and computer storage medium
CN110712891A (en) * 2019-08-30 2020-01-21 杨亚 Garbage classification supervision system
WO2021052215A1 (en) * 2019-09-18 2021-03-25 广州普慧环保科技股份有限公司 Household rubbish treatment system and treatment method
EP3851212A1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2021-07-21 Robert Szczepankowski Method for individualised waste segregation
FR3123008A1 (en) * 2021-05-24 2022-11-25 Ficha Waste conformity control system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104386388A (en) * 2014-09-26 2015-03-04 潘杰 Intelligent waste classification and recovery system and recovery method thereof
CN104787522A (en) * 2015-03-04 2015-07-22 郑州西普德节能科技股份有限公司 Local alarm salvation terminal based on Internet of Things
ES2662294A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Ros Roca, S.A. SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR MANAGEMENT OF WASTE COLLECTION AND URBAN WASTE CONTAINER (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
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WO2019162710A1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2019-08-29 Stengos Georgios Waste collection bin with advanced features
EP3533727A1 (en) * 2018-02-28 2019-09-04 Distromel, S.A. System for selective collection of household waste
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CN110598604A (en) * 2019-08-30 2019-12-20 深圳市英尔科技有限公司 Intelligent supervision method and device for classified garbage putting and computer storage medium
CN110712891A (en) * 2019-08-30 2020-01-21 杨亚 Garbage classification supervision system
WO2021052215A1 (en) * 2019-09-18 2021-03-25 广州普慧环保科技股份有限公司 Household rubbish treatment system and treatment method
EP3851212A1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2021-07-21 Robert Szczepankowski Method for individualised waste segregation
FR3123008A1 (en) * 2021-05-24 2022-11-25 Ficha Waste conformity control system

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