WO2021077228A1

WO2021077228A1 - Waste and recycling collection system

Info

Publication number: WO2021077228A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/051426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Busch
Original assignee: Busch Systems International Inc.
Priority date: 2019-10-25
Filing date: 2020-10-23
Publication date: 2021-04-29

Abstract

A system for collecting waste and/or recycling is disclosed. The system includes a container with at least one opening; a respective receptacle associated with each opening, the respective receptacle positioned within the container for receiving and containing the waste and/or recycling; a respective fill sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a fill level of the receptacle; a respective weight sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a weight of each receptacle; and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive and transmit the detected fill level and weight for each receptacle.

Description

WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION SYSTEM

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a waste and recycling collection system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Waste and recycling containers within a facility are often emptied on a predetermined schedule regardless of how full or empty the containers are. This can lead to inefficiencies, for example, where custodial staff is used to empty containers that do not require emptying. Conversely, containers in high-usage areas might not be emptied frequently enough leading to overspill and littering, among other effects. Emptying schedules may not take into account changes in normal usage of the containers due to events such as a sudden increase in foot traffic near the container. Moreover, operators of facilities with waste and recycling collection systems rarely have specific or real time data about the usage of individual containers, such as the nature of waste or recycling being discarded, how much they are being used, which locations receive the most usage etc.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for collecting waste and/or recycling, the system comprising: a container with at least one opening; a respective receptacle associated with each opening, the respective receptacle positioned within the container for receiving and containing the waste and/or recycling; a respective fill sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a fill level of the receptacle; a respective weight sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a weight of each receptacle; and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit configured to receive and transmit the detected fill level and weight for each receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the present disclosure, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: [0005] Fig. 1 is an image of a system according embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figs. 2 is a diagram of a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Fig. 3 A is an image of a fill sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [0008] Fig. 3B are side, front, bottom and perspective views of a housing for the fill sensor of Fig. 3.

[0009] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a weight sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0010] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a system 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a container 12 with at least one opening 14. Waste or recycling is placed through the openings 14 into the container 12. As shown in the drawings, the opening 14 may be rectangular round or any other shape. Sometimes, the shape of the opening indicates the type of waste and/or recycling to be placed through the opening. For example, a round opening might indicate metal recycling. This helps to prevent contamination of different streams of the container 12, with each opening 14 being associated with one stream. Signage 15 above each stream may in addition or instead indicate the waste or recycling intended for that stream.

[0011] It will be understood that a wide array of containers may be used and, according to the present disclosure, the container is not limited to the particular embodiment shown in the figures. [0012] A respective receptacle 16 is associated with each opening and positioned within the container 12 such that the receptacle 16 receives and contains the waste and/or recycling placed through the openings 14. In Fig. 1, there are three openings 14 and three corresponding receptacles 16. Each receptacle 16 corresponds to a different stream and is designated for a different type of waste or recycling, for example plastics, paper, organic waste, etc. In Fig. 2, there are only two streams, namely two openings 14 and two corresponding receptacles 16. It will be understood that other numbers of streams are possible.

[0013] The receptacles 16 may be rigid liners or may be non-rigid liners or bags inserted into the container. In the case of a rigid liner, a bag may be placed and secured in the liner in order to collect the waste and/or recycling and in order to facilitate emptying of the receptacle 16. The receptacles 16 may be fully removed from the container and replaced with a new receptacle (as in the case of a bag) or may remain in the container during emptying (such as when a bag is inserted into a rigid liner receptacle).

[0014] The system 10 further includes a respective fill sensor 18 associated with each receptacle 16 and configured to detect a fill level of the receptacle 16. In the embodiment shown, the fill sensors 18 are positioned on an interior of a lid 20 of the container 12 in a manner that permits detection of the fill level of the receptacle 16. In the embodiment shown, for example, the fill sensors 18 comprise an infrared sensor that emits an infrared beam directed generally in the direction of a bottom of the receptacle 16. Therefore, the fill sensors 18 can detect when a new item of waste or recycling is received in the receptacle 16 (i.e. when the beam is disrupted) and the fill level based on the return travel time of the beam (i.e. the higher the fill level the shorter the return travel time).

[0015] In the embodiment shown, the fill sensor 18 comprises a housing 19 and an embedded infrared laser 21 in the housing 19. The housing 19 includes a collar 23 for keeping a cable 25 in place, the cable leading to the infrared laser 21. The housing 19 is configured to position the infrared laser at a predetermined angle with respect to a top surface 27 of the housing 19 so that the infrared beam is projected out of an aperture 29 at that angle when the top surface 27 is affixed, for example, to the underside of the lid 20. [0016] In the embodiment shown the sill sensor is wired. The fill sensor may also be used wirelessly, negating the requirement for a directly wired connection to the transceiver unit 30.

[0017] The fill sensor housing 19 may further include an Ingress Protection rating to protect circuitry within the housing at a minimum of being dustproof and water resistance. Additional RGB LED lighting may be included with the fill sensor 18 to illuminate the interior of the receptacle to further enhance the visual effect of a user interacting with the system 10. For example, a blue LED may be included to indicate to a user that the receptacle is intended for plastic recycling.

[0018] In other embodiments where the container 12 does not include a lid and instead includes a side or front door for accessing and emptying of the receptacle 16, the fill sensor 18 may be positioned on an interior of a top wall of the container 12. Moreover, it will be understood that if the opening 14 is in a front or side of the container 12 instead of the top, the fill sensor 18 may be positioned at yet a different location to detect the fill level of the receptacle 16. Similarly, the housing 19 may be configured differently to direct the infrared beam at a different angle into the receptacle such as externally above the openings 14 positioned on the signage 15.

[0019] Other sensor types are also possible. An ultrasonic sensor, an optical recognition sensor and others could be used. It will be understood that, depending on the type of fill sensor used, positioning of the fill sensor may vary from the embodiments shown. There may also be multiple fill sensors per receptacle.

[0020] The system 10 further includes a respective weight sensor 22 associated with each receptacle 16 and configured to detect a weight of each receptacle 16. In the embodiment shown, the weight sensors 22 are configured as a disc or puck positioned beneath each receptacle 16 in order to measure the receptacle’s weight. [0021] The disc weight sensor 22 includes a circular cover 24 and a circular base 26, which are fixed together, for example using screws. The cover 24 has a generally flat surface upon which the receptacle 16 rests. Four strain gauges 28 are positioned within the puck on the base 26. A circuit board (not shown) for reading the signals from the strain gauges is positioned at the general center of the circular base 26 with the strain gauges 28 positioned equidistantly circumferentially about the center. The weight measurement data once read, transmits via wired or wireless communications to the main transceiver 30 for analysis and further processing.

[0022] As an item of waste or recycling is placed into the receptacle, the weight sensor 22 detects a change in weight of the receptacle 16. Thus, individually, or together with a positive confirmation of an item having been placed in the receptacle from the fill sensor 18, the weight sensor 22 and/or fill sensors 18 are able to monitor usage of each stream in the system, as well as the fill level and weight of the receptacles.

[0023] Other embodiments of the weight sensor may also be possible. For example, if the receptacles were suspended within the container, a weight sensor may be configured to measure the weight as the receptacle 16 pulls down on the mechanism keeping it suspended.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the weight sensor includes a plurality of strain gauges 26 to improve accuracy of the measurement. But fewer or more strain gauges or other weight sensing means may be used. The weight sensors may also be positioned elsewhere in the container, such as at corners of the receptacle 16 or there may be more than one weight sensor present per receptacle.

[0025] The system 10 further includes a transceiver unit 30 mounted on the container 12 and configured to receive signals wired or wirelessly from the fill and weight sensors 18, 22 and transmit the data to a remote location. For example, the transceiver 30 might be configured with one or more wireless antennas capable of communicating with a wide or local area network for transmitting data from the fill and weight sensors 18, 22 to a server via the network. Data concerning the usage of the container and the different streams within the container can therefore be collected, analyzed and processed remotely.

[0026] In some embodiments, in operation, the weight and fill level sensors 22, 18 capture multiple measurements from the receptacle 16, which, in some embodiments, may be compared by the transceiver 30 and then averaged before either storing and/or transmitting the data to a server. When the data is compared and is outside of acceptable tolerances, a re capture of measurements and re-evaluation takes place.

[0027] The collected data and/or any other data obtained by the transceiver unit 30 may be sent during preprogrammed intervals or specific times to a remote server and/or interface. Some or all of the information being sent may be referred to as “health status information” of the one or more receptacles, the container or other components of the system. For example, information on the status and condition of sensors (fill sensor, weight sensor, and/or other sensors discussed below), may be included in the health status information. In some embodiments, a detected sensor failure and/or detection of a low battery in a critical component of the system, such as one of the sensors, may be included in the health status information. The transceiver 30 may store and/or transmit immediately the health status information to help further diagnose and notify users remotely of the issue.

[0028] The transceiver unit 30 may include one or more processors or controllers for interacting with and/or controlling components of the system 10, such as sensors, and/or for processing data received from components of the system 10.

[0029] The transceiver 30 may communicate with additional sensors that measure other desired data, such as a temperature sensor, light sensor, air quality sensor, gas sensor etc. The transceiver 30 may also include a GPS receiver, WiFi transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, and/or other wired or wireless communication devices to help aid in detecting of physical location. The system 10 may also include sensors to detect movement of objects or persons nearby the location of the container 12. Data of importance may include device identification and communications numbers, current date and time, temperatures, weights, fill levels, battery levels, usage count, sensor status, and diagnostic communications data. The collected data may be used for technical support, to fix errors in the software or firmware operating the transceiver unit, and/or to facilitate a repair/replacement of equipment.

[0030] In the embodiment shown, the transceiver 30 is mounted on the exterior of the container 12. This may allow for improved connectivity with the network. In addition, the transceiver 30 may include external indicia indicating that the transceiver is in operation, that a scanning cycle is taking place to detect the fill and/or weight of the receptacles 16 in the container 12, and/or that an error has occurred. The indicia may take the form of sound and or a series of LED lights that, through their sequence and/or colour, provides information to the user.

[0031] An operator of the facility with one or more systems 10 for collecting the waste or recycling might periodically check in on the data being received from each transceiver 30. In addition, or alternatively, each system 10 might be configured to automatically send an “emptying required” signal if the fill and/or weight sensors 18, 22 indicate one or more thresholds for emptying of one or more receptacles 16 is met or surpassed. For example, it may be desirable that a specific weight of the receptacle is not exceeded to allow for ergonomic and safe emptying of the receptacle. Similarly, it may be desirable to have the receptacle emptied before it exceeds a predetermined fill level, such as 75% full. This may allow time for custodial staff to locate and empty the receptacle before it begins to overflow.

[0032] An operator may also relay commands remotely to the system 10, which may include resetting the transceiver unit and/or any other components of the system, adjusting variables to optimize the operation of the system and for keeping the station calibrated, forcing an upgrade of firmware, transmiting its raw stored data for later analysis, or asking the device to redetermine its current physical location.

[0033] In some embodiments, a separate respective stream unit 32 is provided and associated with each receptacle 16. The stream unit 32 may be configured to receive the detected fill level and weight from the fill and weight sensors 18, 22 and transmit them to the transceiver unit 30 for further transmission and/or processing. To this end, the stream unit may be operably connected to both the fill and weight sensors 18, 22, as well as any other sensors that may be included, and the transceiver unit 30.

[0034] In yet other embodiments, one or more of the sensors in the system 10, for example one or more of the fill or weight sensors, may be configured to include antennae for direct wireless communication to the transceiver unit and/or the wide or local area network.

[0035] Other elements may also be included in the system 10. For example, LCD or other electronic displays may be included and combined with outward-facing infrared or other detection technology in order to provide real-time and instant feedback to users of the container. For example, there may be one or more displays associated with each stream of the container which indicates the type of waste and/or recycling to be placed in the receptacle for that stream. An outward facing infrared sensor or other motion detection sensor might detect a user and provide immediate feedback to the user. This could, for example, include feedback about the user’s contribution to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, if the system were to detect a user having placed recycling into the recycling stream, based on the weight added, and the nature of the recycling (determined by optical recognition or which stream it was placed into), the system could encourage the user by displaying a message on the associated screen. Other information could be provided to the user pre- or post-discarding of materials.

[0036] In yet other embodiments, in addition to screens associated with each stream and stream-specific motion sensors, the system may include outward facing camera technology to capture video and/or still images of the user discarding materials. The images and/or video would be analyzed either locally at the container or remotely to determine the type of material being discarded by the user, for example a plastic bottle. The system could then advise the user what stream to use to reduce contamination of streams. This may be in addition to the feedback provided to the user as described above.

[0037] In another example, if the item to be disposed of is recognized and the stream which would normally collect that item cannot receive it, for example because it is full, the screen on the container might direct the user to a nearby container that could accept it. A map of the facility might be displayed that uses the location of other containers to direct the user.

[0038] Calculations to determine various messages to the user may be performed at the system or remotely and then relayed to the system via the network. A controller incorporated into the system may be included to interface with and control the display(s), sensor(s), optical device(s), transceiver unit and/or other system components.

[0039] According to the present disclosure a variety of methods are also disclosed, including methods comprising monitoring and processing of data obtained from the sensors of the container 12, as well as acting on the collected data, such as emptying of receptacles. The present disclosure encompasses any method of operation of one or more aspects of the system, including transmission and reception of data to and from the system 10.

Claims

1. A system for collecting waste and/or recycling, the system comprising: a container with at least one opening; a respective receptacle associated with each opening, the respective receptacle positioned within the container for receiving and containing the waste and/or recycling; a respective fill sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a fill level of the receptacle; a respective weight sensor associated with each receptacle configured to detect a weight of each receptacle; and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit configured to receive and transmit the detected fill level and weight for each receptacle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fill sensor comprises one or more of an infrared sensor, a laser sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a top wall or lid and the fill sensor is positioned on the top wall or lid.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to detect when an item of waste and/or recycling is received by the receptacle based on one or more of signals from the respective fill and weight sensors.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the weight sensor is positioned underneath the receptacle and the receptacle rests on the weight sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fill sensor and/or the weight sensor are further configured to transmit an identifier associated with the receptacle.

7. The system of claim 1, the transceiver unit further comprising a location sensor to identify the location of the container.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a respective stream unit associated with each receptacle, wherein the stream unit is configured to receive the detected fill level and weight and transmit the detected fill level and weight to the transceiver unit.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the transceiver unit is mounted to an exterior of the container and is configured to generate visual and/or auditory signals.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to generate visual and/or auditory signals in response to a user action.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the user action includes one or more of approaching the system, displaying an item of waste or recycling to be deposited and depositing the item.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising optical recognition components for optically recognizing an item of waste or recycling intended to be deposited by a user.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more displays for providing feedback to a user.

14. A system or method substantially as disclosed and described herein.