WO2022109680A1

WO2022109680A1 - Methods and systems for post-consumer materials collection services and offset allocations

Info

Publication number: WO2022109680A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/051417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Danial Patrick Gallagher; Gordon Alan Ewart; Jeremy Biggs
Original assignee: CurbCycle Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-27
Filing date: 2021-11-26
Publication date: 2022-06-02
Also published as: AU2021386467A1

Abstract

A recycling system comprising a two-way communication device and a remote server, the two-way communication device scans an ID code, and its processor transmits the ID code, associated material type of a corresponding physical item and scan value details to the remote server to change a state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code and to determine a suitable logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location; the activated ID code is scanned at the remote location to check the material type and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details; the remote server transmits a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when the comparison confirms the quantity value so as to be received by the two-way communication device.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR POST-CONSUMER MATERIALS COLLECTION SERVICES AND OFFSET ALLOCATIONS

Technical Field

[001] The field of the invention is methods and systems for post-consumer materials collection services and offset allocations.

Background

[002] Recently it has been widely reported that the waste and recycling waste practices by developed nations such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia included exporting much of the recyclables to overseas destinations (such as China) that had no transparency of reporting and lacked environmental, occupational, health and safety standards or anti modern-slavery standards protections to ensure that the material was responsibly recycled.

[003] As such, countries have recognised that these materials must be locally managed and reused as an input into re-manufacturing and other similar uses to minimise net human consumption of the world’s resources, curtail carbon emissions, avoid environmental damage and provide socially responsible value to the economy and jobs.

[004] Countries have placed bans to stop the import and export of post-consumer materials. Governments and producers of post-consumer materials have prioritised the traceability and processing of these materials to divert from landfill or leakage into the environment. Most developed nations are seeking manufacturers / producers to take responsibility for their production through the entire life cycle of the product such that any waste is recovered and any impact on the environment is minimised. This is referred to as extended producer responsibility (EPR).

[005] Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are generally responsible for the collection of household waste and recyclables including community education and waste management. LGAs generally outsource the collection and processing of these post-consumer materials.

[006] Due to the numerous different practices and contracts for the collection of household recyclables, it has been difficult to enable households, LGAs, producers of post-consumer materials and the processors of recyclables to integrate EPR programs into existing recycling systems. The difficulty in integrating systems has arguably deprived manufacturers of aggregating single stream materials to amass the necessary economies of scale required to become efficient and economically viable. Also, existing systems lack data on household participation and do not tend to provide tracing on the entire supply chain, from producers through to re-manufacture so that a measurable offset may be established for allocations.

Summary

[007] Disclosed are methods and systems to enhance existing kerbside recycling by enabling targeted collection, aggregation and processing of targeted materials which can function under various EPR schemes through the use of a unique identifier that may be associated with the targeted material. This results in segregation of the material and initiates the optimal logistic system for collection. The further scanning of the unique identifier associated with the segregated targeted material through the supply chain may result in measurement of consistent presentation of recyclables from the household to downstream re-manufacture.

[008] Beneficially, the disclosed methods and systems may provide a measurable offset that is applied to householders (and other geo-locations) which in turn may improve recycling outcomes generally. This may enable:

1. new communication channels from all levels of Government to community; and

2. economies of scale for manufacturers; and

3. geo-location level data for EPR schemes; and

4. household recycling participation offset.

[009] Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for offset values to be determined for specific material types and to be associated with originating locations. In conjunction with a remote server activation of identification codes (ID codes) and collating corresponding post consumer material types to activated ID codes, corresponding material type items may be transferred by logistics systems to particular recycling facilities for the generation of offset values for those material types. The ID codes may be unique or not unique depending upon the circumstances. A communication device or remote server may receive a value associated with an inactive ID code, activate the ID code and collate it in its activated state, or related attribute, to a selected material type. The inactive ID code may be scanned at a location such as a household or dwelling by a two-way communication device which may transmit a value associated with the inactive ID code for receipt by the remote server. Upon scanning the inactive ID code, the two-way communication device may present a query to select a material type value which the two-way communication device may transmit for receipt by a remote server.

[010] Disclosed is a recycling system comprising: a two-way communication device and a remote server, the two-way communication device comprising a processor, a transmitter and a scanner, the scanner being configured to scan an ID code; the processor being configured to transmit the ID code, the remote server configured to change a state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code; upon scanning the ID code, the processor being configured to generate a material type query, the response to which being configured by the selection of a material type of a corresponding physical item to provide scan value details and to determine a logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location, the logistics system being configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from the location to the remote location, the logistics system being selected according to the material type of the corresponding physical item; the remote location being configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprising a scanner being configured to scan the activated ID code, the remote location being configured to ascertain the material type based upon the scan of the activated ID code and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details, the remote server being configured to transmit a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when the comparison confirms the quantity value so as to be received by the two- way communication device.

[Oil] Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the logistics system is also selected according to a geolocation of the two-way communication device. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the two-way communication device comprises a location device, wherein the processor is configured to trigger the location device to generate a location of the two-way communication device upon scanning the ID code. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein, when the remote location scans the activated ID code, the remote server transmits a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the quantity value is an average value derived from an aggregated quantity value. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein, when the remote location scans a plurality of activated ID codes, the remote server collates the plurality of activated ID codes according to geolocation data. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein, when the remote server changes the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to the activated ID code, the remote server receives notification of the material type.

[012] Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the quantity value is attributed to an originating location. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the quantity value attributed to the originating location is an offset for use in relation to produced post-consumer material having a same material type as the material type of the corresponding physical item. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the quantity value of recycled material is compared to the quantity value of the same material sold. Also disclosed is the recycling system, wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system.

[013] The disclosed recycling system may further comprise: a collection vehicle configured to communicate with the remote server, the collection vehicle having a scanner configured to scan the ID code; and the remote server configured to change the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to a hazardous household item ID code in response to communication from the collection vehicle, wherein the communication is triggered by the collection vehicle scanning the ID code. Also disclosed is the recycling system wherein the ID code is an active RFID device for a battery that provides power to the active RFID device. Also disclosed is the recycling system wherein the material type is a battery.

[014] Disclosed is a recycling method of a system comprising a two-way communication device and a remote server, the two-way communication device comprising a processor, a transmitter and a scanner, the scanner being configured to scan an ID code, the method comprising: the scanner scanning the ID code; the processor transmitting the ID code; the remote server changing the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code; upon scanning the ID code, the processor generating a material type query; and the remote server receiving a response to the material type query representing a selection of a material type of a corresponding physical item to provide scan value details and to determine a logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location, the logistics system being configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from the location to the remote location, the logistics system being selected according to the material type of the corresponding physical item the remote location being configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprising a scanner being configured to scan the activated ID code, the remote location being configured to ascertain the material type based upon the scan of the activated ID code and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details, the remote server being configured to transmit a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when the comparison confirms the quantity value so as to be received by the two-way communication device.

[015] Also disclosed is the method, wherein the logistics system is also selected according to a geolocation of the two-way communication device. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the two-way communication device comprises a location device, wherein the processor is configured to trigger the location device to generate a location of the two-way communication device upon scanning the ID code. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the remote location is configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprises a scanner configured to scan the activated ID code and when the scanner scans the activated ID code, the remote server transmits a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the quantity value is an average value derived from an aggregated quantity value.

[016] Also disclosed is the method, wherein the remote location is configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprises a scanner configured to scan the activated ID code and when the scanner scans a plurality of activated ID codes, the remote server collates the plurality of activated ID codes according to geolocation data. Also disclosed is the method, wherein, when the remote server changes the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to the activated ID code, the remote server receives notification of the material type. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the quantity value is attributed to an originating location. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the quantity value attributed to the originating location is an offset for use in relation to produced post-consumer material having a same material type as the material type of the corresponding physical item. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the quantity value of recycled material is compared to the quantity value of the same material sold. Also disclosed is the method, wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system.

[017] Also disclosed is the method wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system. The disclosed method may further comprise: a collection vehicle communicating with the remote server, the collection vehicle having a scanner configured to scan the ID code; and the remote server changing the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to a hazardous household item ID code in response to communication from the collection vehicle, wherein the communication is triggered by the collection vehicle scanning the ID code.

[018] Also disclosed is the method wherein the ID code is an active RFID device for a battery that provides power to the active RFID device. Also disclosed is the method wherein the material type is a battery.

[019] Disclosed is a method of identifying a hazardous item in a receptacle during collection by a collection vehicle, the method comprising: scanning, by the collection vehicle, an RFID device mated to the hazardous item located within the receptacle; receiving, by the collection vehicle, an ID code from the RFID device; determining that the received ID code is for a hazardous item; and preventing the collection vehicle from collecting at least the hazardous item.

[020] Also disclosed is the method, wherein the hazardous item is a battery and the RFID device is an active RFID device powered by the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[021] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings and appendices, in which:

[022] Figures 1A and IB depict a summary diagram showing a method for user nominated material recycling collection service that measures and allocates the offset of post-consumer materials;

[023] Figures 2 A and 2B depict upon scanning the ID code, the processor being configured to generate a material type query and the response so that the material type may be associated to logistic system; and

[024] Figures 3A and 3B depicts a process of receiving material from a household (or other geolocation) where a state, or related attribute, of an ID code may be updated to “received” and consequent relational quantity value calculated to provide an offset measurement and allocation.

Detailed Description [025] The waste industry generally suffers from variability in how it collects and processes post-consumer materials from households. As an example, it was reported by Mike Ritchie (Mike Ritchie Consulting Group), Inside Waste, 4 November 2020, that within New South Wales, Australia there are 127 Local Government Areas (LGAs) providing waste services, of those 110 offer kerbside recycling bins. Of those 110 LGAs the following variable standards of recycling exist:

• LGAs allow different plastics to be collected with o 75%-90% of LGAs allow Low Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, “other plastic” o 31% of LGAs allow plant pots and hard plastics o 12% of LGAs allow plastic bags and other film plastic

• 83% of LGAs allow Liquid Paper Board containers as part of paper

• 5% of LGAs allow single use batteries in the recycling bin

• 5% of LGAs allow electrical goods (toasters, etc)

• 3% of LGAs allow clothes and other textiles

[026] Variable standards may cause confusion to householders and result in prohibited items being placed into kerbside recycling bins or general waste bins provided by LGAs. The prohibited items may cause safety and contamination problems through the waste and recycling supply chain. There are numerous negative outcomes from post-consumer materials being placed into the incorrect logistics and processing systems. The negative outcomes may be to the environment, health and safety, value of processed materials and recycling rates. For example, householders may mistakenly place hazardous items such as lithium ion batteries, used in drills and garden equipment, or butane canisters, used in camping stoves, into recycling or general waste bins. These and other hazardous household items may explode, cause a fire, emit harmful gasses or liquids, or otherwise endanger human safety, assets and/or the environment when compacted or exposed to heat sources. This causes serious safety and fire risks throughout the household kerbside collection and processing supply chain.

[027] One example of the safety and fire risks may include LGA waste and recycling bins are generally tipped by garbage collection vehicles from kerbside into the rear of the vehicle that has a body, which holds and compacts the material once tipped. Compaction of Hazardous Household Items within garbage vehicle compaction bodies, also known as compaction vehicles, can cause explosions and fires resulting in property damage and human safety concerns. Another example of the safety and fire risk may include collection vehicles which generally deliver and tip the compacted comingled recyclable material onto the receival floor of a Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The commingle recyclables are loaded onto conveyers for processing by large industrial wheeled loading vehicles. These vehicles’ wheels often run over the commingled material. This can cause a fire when the commingled material contains Hazardous Household Items. Another example may occur when commingled recyclables are separated within the MRF, they are baled into different commodity streams. During this baling process significant pressure is exerted into the recyclable commodity and may cause an explosion and fire risk when the bale contains Hazardous Household Items. Should the Hazardous Household Item not explode on baling, it remains a significant fire risk particularly where lithium ion batteries are damaged and/or encounter metal baling wire. This is known to have caused MRF fires within a combustible material such as mixed paper. Another example may occur where Hazardous Household Items have been placed into the general waste bin. The Hazardous Household Items poses similar explosion and fire risks when tipped into a landfill or general waste processing facility.

[028] Sometimes householders may mistakenly place items into kerbside recycling bins that are difficult to separate from other commingled recyclables at the MRF. In the example of soft plastics, it results in the contamination of commodities within the MRF, such as recovered paper, that has similar physical properties and hence soft plastic is difficult to separate. Significant investment is required to avoid such contamination from deteriorating final production of paper. Soft plastics separated in this manner are ultimately placed into waste systems such as landfill and not recycled.

[029] The disclosed methods and systems provide householders logistics systems to enable post-consumer materials to be collected without contaminating commingled recyclables placed into LGA provided kerbside recycling bins and reduce the amount of material sent to landfill via the LGA provided kerbside waste bin. Such segregation of recyclables enables the households to segregate compactable materials and place them within an existing kerbside bin (eg: post-consumer soft plastics) or enables households to segregate Hazardous Household Items and initiate a separate safe logistics system for collection. [030] LGAs may also be responsible for collection of large bulky post-consumer items from households (“Bulky Items”, eg: white goods or large e-waste). LGA’s generally make arrangements with third party waste collection contractors to collection these Bulky Items from the household kerbside. The collection of Bulky Items may require a separate process from other services and the collection services for Bulky Items suffer from similar variability across LGAs.

[031] The disclosed methods and systems are designed to provide a method by which householders can arrange for the collection of post-consumer household materials. The collection of post-consumer household materials may be initiated by the householder scanning a unique ID code that may be represented as a QR Code or any other similar barcode symbology, RFID, hologram, digital ink, digital watermark or any other means. The unique ID code enables the user to select and initiate a collection process appropriate to the associated material. Example of collection processes include: recyclable material able to be compacted and requiring segregation within commingled recyclables placed into the LGA recycling bin (eg: post-consumer soft plastics);

Hazardous Household Item or other small recyclable that is not compactable requiring specific packaging and/or collection system outside of the regular LGA kerbside bin collection; or

Bulky Items requiring collection from kerbside within a large delivery vehicles.

[032] Entities producing post-consumer waste and seeking to establish an efficient EPR system could benefit from interaction with householders to optimise collection of material and enable accurate measurement of offset claims by both consumers and producers. Offsets mean that entities producing products that result in post-consumer materials can measurably offset the post-consumer material produced with a specific measurement of that same type of post consumer material being recycled or otherwise managed in an environmentally responsible manner. Depending upon the type of post-consumer materials and/or the sorting capabilities, offsets may be directly attributed to a producer who contributes to schemes that are set up for EPR enabling producers of the material to provide support to processors that ensure the material is responsibly managed and prevent materials going to landfill or harming the environment. [033] Certain post-consumer products are typically not accepted at MRFs, such as post consumer soft plastics, but may be accepted if suitable sorting infrastructure is in place. There are other various types of recycling entities that will recycle items such as mattresses, construction and demolition waste, printer cartridges, coffee pods, clothing, batteries, and electronics, however, offset analysis and allotment is not possible. A system, method, and devices for households to process their own single stream post-consumer products including verification of processing, for example, for offset calculations is disclosed.

[034] Various entities whose products result in post-consumer waste materials could benefit if they could claim offsets. Offsets mean that these entities can continue to produce products that result in post-consumer materials but overall, their contribution to pollution caused by the post-consumer products can be mitigated. Depending upon the type of post-consumer materials and/or the sorting capabilities, offsets may be directly attributed to certain entities and or geo locations. Households who participate in the segregation of post-consumer materials may be rewarded for the contribution of material for beneficial re-use.

[035] Households, and other locations, may participate by activating an ID code before associating the ID code with a specific material type. A logistics system may be determined based on a geo-location of the household, material type and material supply chain. Once received at the remote location, the materials are accepted and a quantity value attributed toward the originating location, such as the household, as an Offset

[036] Disclosed are systems and methods utilising unique ID codes associated with the post consumer materials. The unique ID codes may be used to initiate a logistics and processing solution for the material; provide consumers with Consumption Offset on the beneficiation of the material; and measure the amount of material beneficiated for EPR schemes and collection systems to generate a Producer Offset.

The disclosed methods and systems may include one or more of the following features. ID codes may be distributed to households and other geo-locations. Consumers may scan and transmit ID codes identifying single stream material type to be collected for beneficial re-use. The consumers may be informed of a collection system to utilise for the collection of identified material type. For small post-consumer compactable materials the ID code may be activated before the material is placed into household recycling bin and collected by municipal truck or similar waste collection service. For non-compactable materials the material and ID code may be activated to initiate a fit-for-purpose logistics system. For bulky items, the ID code may be activated to initiate a fit-for-purpose logistics system such as a LGA Bulky Items kerbside collection or FreeCycle network pick up service. Regardless of the collection system, the recipient of the material sent by consumers for beneficial re-use may register the ID code upon receipt and register the material with the associated EPR scheme.

[037] Data collected from the system may be aggregated across material types and stakeholders in the supply chain may be informed of the quantity value of the material type collected for beneficial re-use. Reporting of each material stream may include consumers being informed of an amount they have contributed individually or grouped into households, teams or groups. Producers may use the aggregated material types to determine amount of material offset according to material type. LGA’s may determine participation in their area and measure effectiveness of education campaigns. Reporting of each material stream may also include manufacturers of aggregated volumes of materials for offtake and processing. The system may also allow for LGAs and MRF processors to provide education to consumers on recycling. The system may also allow Producers and LGA’s to interact with consumers to provide incentives for improving the participation in the environmentally responsible management of the material.

[038] Figures 1A and IB show various aspects of users, enabling equipment, logistical steps, material types and data transmissions of the disclosed systems and methods. ID codes used in the kerbside recycling system may be of any type and read in any manner. For example, an ID code may be embedded in a physical housing such as that of an RFID tag/device. An RFID device may be very small and can be incorporated into an object that is used as a housing wherein the housing is dual purposed. For example, a digital watermark or digital ink may be incorporated into packaging. In one example, an ID code may be placed onto one or more of the material, product, or product component of an item prior to sale and distribution to the consumer. The ID code may be applied during manufacturing, distribution or at any stage prior to being sold to the consumer. A material type and/or manufacture origin information may be included into the ID code to enable a higher degree of traceability through the life cycle of the item so that the item may be identified for suitable end of life processing. As technology improves, components become smaller, methods of applying ID codes may become more accurate and multi-purposed, therefore, the many types of ID codes may be used in the presently described systems and methods includes all future improvements in ID code technology. [039] In one embodiment, optically scanned ID codes, such as QR codes may be provided in any manner. For example, such ID codes can be physically delivered at various locations. Locations may be dependent on local ordinances. For example, in Australia, post-consumer material management is provided by LGAs. Such LGAs may distribute physical media, such as paper, having an ID code or ID codes represented thereon. However, ID codes can be delivered in any manner, including digitally, via the Internet, cellular systems, IoT systems, and/or in any suitable manner. They may be printed, imprinted, a hologram wherein it can associate with a physical object. For example, an ID code can appear on packaging materials.

[040] Still referring to Figures 1A and IB, a two-way communication device (TWCD) 101a is depicted with a scanner. Examples of the two-way communication device 101a include a mobile phone or a tablet where a camera on the mobile phone or tablet operates as the scanner. An ID code 102, depicted as a QR Code beneath the two-way communication device 101a, is an example of an ID code which can be scanned by the scanner of the two-way communication device 101a. The ID code can be in any suitable arrangement for scanning and may use a unique identifier. For the purposes of illustration of the disclosed systems and methods, discussed below is a communication device 101b, which may be the same or a second or different two- way or one-way communication device used at a different location of the disclosed methods and systems. In one embodiment, the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb includes a processor, a transmitter and a scanner, the scanner being configured to scan an ID code. In this manner, the ID code may be processed using the two-way communication device. As mentioned above, determining a value of the ID code may occur in any suitable manner.

[041] A remote server 103a can be one or more servers. Again, for the purposes of illustration of the disclosed systems and methods, discussed below is a remote server 103b which may be the same or a second or different remote server than remote server 103a. Cloud computing, for example, makes available servers in different locations to carry out different tasks, working together and/or separately to provide results coordinated for the disclosed systems and methods. In one example, the remote server 103a and the remote server 103b may communicate via a network connection to exchange information, as required, to operate as a single remote server. The value of the inactive ID code can be delivered to the remote server 103 a and/or the inactive ID code may change its state, or related attribute, for example, upon scanning. That means the state, or related attribute, of the ID code may be changed, by the two-way communication device 101a and/or by the remote server 103a. As mentioned above, until the ID code’s state, or related attribute, is changed to activated, it is an inactive ID code. The value of the activated ID code may be associated with one or more targeted physical objects of the same material type, for example, when the location of the target physical objects is determined. The target physical object may then become corresponding physical items related to the activated ID code.

[042] The remote server 103 a/ 103b can determine the location of the activated ID code in any one of a number of ways. A location of a household/dwelling 105, where the two-way communication device 101a is used, can be determined based upon, for example, satellite coordinates, geo-hashing, cellular system data and/or other means. The location may also be provided by the user of the two-way communication device 101a through queries and other methods. In one embodiment, the location of the two-way communication device may be different to the location of one or more target physical objects. Any manner in which to determine the location of an activated ID code and the corresponding physical items, located at the household/dwelling 105 or with the two-way communication device 101a, is within the scope of this discussion.

[043] As noted earlier, the processor of the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb may be configured to transmit the ID code and the remote server 103 a/ 103b may be configured to change the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code. The remote server 103a/103b having received an activated ID code and an associated location may transmit to the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb a query and/or other form of interrogatory to determine the type of the one or more target physical objects. The process of activating an ID code and associating the ID code with a location to ultimately associate the ID code with the one or more target physical objects so they become corresponding physical items may be repeated for any number of ID codes and any number of locations, as indicated by “Location N+l” at the household/dwelling 105.

[044] The household/dwelling targeted material consumption 105 is a first stream of the offset calculations. Discussed below are additional streams of offset calculations including for example, producer targeted post-consumer material which may include authentication of recovery and/or recycling rate compliance. It is understood that compliance with various offset regulations may be carried out in series or in parallel in accordance with the disclosed systems and methods. [045] Accordingly, upon scanning the ID code, the value of which is received by the remote server 103a/103b, the processor of the two-way communication device 101a may be configured to generate a material type query. The response to the material type query may be configured by the selection of a material type of a corresponding item. The remote server 103a/103b may collate the location of the two-way device 101a and the provided scan details, which may include the corresponding ID code value, to determine one or more logistics systems 109 to act between the location of the corresponding physical items, or if different, the location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location. The logistics systems 109 may be configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from, for example, a dwelling location to a remote location.

[046] In some situations a hazardous code alert 109a may occur. The hazardous code may be detected by the two-way communication device 101a or detected by the logistics systems 109 during collection. When a hazardous item is detected, an update ID code to hazardous 109b takes place at the remote server 103a/103b. If the two-way communication device 101a scans the hazardous item, a suitable logistics systems 109 may be scheduled for collection. However, there may be situations where the hazardous item is detected during collection and the selected logistics systems 109 is not suited for collection of the hazardous item. In such a situation the hazardous item may be refused for collection and an alternative logistics systems 109 selected for later collection.

[047] The ID code 102 for the hazardous item may be placed on the item by a manufacturer 100a during production or packaging. The hazardous item, such as a battery, is then sold at a retailer 100b to a consumer 100c. In some instances, the ID code 102 of the hazardous item may be an RFID device that allows detection of the hazardous item without the ID code 102 being visible, as required for a QR code. Such an arrangement may be advantageous for detection of the hazardous item during collection by the logistics systems 109 so hazardous items may be detected within a bundle of items. Once the hazardous item is detected, the physical item containing the hazardous item may be classified as hazardous and dealt with accordingly.

[048] The methods and systems provide for an ID code to be placed onto one or more of the material, product, or product component of an item prior to sale to the consumer. The ID code may be applied to the item during the manufacturing process by the manufacturer 100a, during distribution, or prior to sale to the consumer 100c by the retailer 100b. When the ID code is applied prior to sale, the ID code may include information, such as one or more of a material type, product type or manufacturer information for the item associated with the ID Code. The extra information included in the ID code may enable the consumer 100c and/or manufacturer 100a of the item to trace the item from point of sale through to a point of beneficiation using the disclosed methods and systems.

[049] The methods and systems provide for an additional safeguard to protect against unsafe disposal, either inadvertently or intentionally, of a hazardous household item into a kerbside bin or receptacle collected by a collection vehicle, such as a compaction vehicle. As described earlier, compaction of hazardous household items poses significant fire and safety risks throughout the waste and recycling supply chain. Such hazardous household items may have an ID code placed onto them prior to sale. The ID code may be a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device or similar ID code that is capable of being read by a scanner at a distance without a line of sight. The RFID device may be active or passive and mated to the item by being attached or embedded to the item. Where the item is a battery, an active RFID device may transmit a signal whilst the battery holds an electrical charge and poses a fire risk. Use of an active RFID device may allow the scanner on the scanner of collection vehicle to read the RFID of the item when the item is located within a kerbside bin surrounded by other waste.

[050] The collection vehicles may be fitted with a scanner capable of reading an RFID device placed onto a kerbside bin for the purpose of identifying the collected bin. Under the disclosed systems and methods, a communication scanner fitted to the collection vehicle may also be configured read an RFID device of an item being collected, contained in the kerbside bin. The communication scanner may be attached to a picking arm of the collection vehicle used to pick up the kerbside bin and empty the contents of the bin into the collection vehicle. The communication scanner may read the ID code and transmit to the remote server 103a/103b, via a suitable wireless communications link such a wireless network, an ID code associated with the item. Use of an RFID device, or similar, may allow the ID code to be scanned during collection for transport by the logistics systems 109. When the item is a hazardous household item, a hazardous code alert 109a may occur and the ID code state may change to “hazard” at update ID code to hazardous 109b. That is, the remote server may be configured to change the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to a hazardous household item ID code in response to the communication from the collection vehicle. The communication from the collection vehicle to the remote server 103a/103b may be triggered by the collection vehicle scanning the ID code of the item. In one example, the hazardous item detection by the collection vehicle may operate separately to other features of Figures 1A and IB. When operating separately, the logistics systems 109 collecting the item interacts with the remote server 103 a/ 13 Ob without the item being scanned by the household/dwelling 105.

[051] In one alternative, the ID code read from the RFID device of the item may be compared to a list of predetermined ID codes stored on the collection vehicle. The list may contain know hazardous household item ID codes. If the ID code of the item is on the list of hazardous household items, the scanner may prevent collection of the kerbside bin. For example, the collection of the kerbside bin may be prevented and any collection process underway stopped. The unemptied kerbside bin may be repositioned on the kerb. Alternatively, the collection vehicle may trigger an alarm for an operator of the collection vehicle. In one example, the collection vehicle may be equipped with multiple scanners, such as one or more collection scanners located on a collection arm and/or one or more waste handling scanners located at the entrance to the compactor and/or other points in the waste handling path that the item may pass during handling by the collection vehicle. If a hazardous household item is detected by waste handling scanner then the compaction operation of the collection vehicle may be locked out to prevent the hazardous household item from being compacted and possibly causing a fire.

[052] The collection vehicle may scan the RFID device of the hazardous item located within the kerbside bin or receptacle. A processing system, such as an embedded system, on the collection vehicle may receive the ID code from the RFID device of the item. The processing system may determine that the ID code is for a hazardous household item, as described above, and prevent the hazardous household item from being loaded on to the collection vehicle. This may be when the hazardous household item is a battery and the RFID device is an active RFID device powered by the battery.

[053] The collection vehicle may have an alarm triggered to alert an operator or may automatically prevent content of the kerbside bin being collected. A notification may be provided to the owner of the bin from the remote server 103 a/ 103b to inform them that a hazardous household item was detected in their bin.

[054] Alternatively, or additionally, the communication device 101b located at the remote location 111 may be configured to detect an ID code associated with a hazardous household item. Placing an ID code on hazardous household Items could be made a requirement of EPR schemes providing to prevent, or reduce, the hazard posed by hazardous household items to collection vehicles, recycling facilities and landfill sites.

[055] The location of the target physical objects may determine the material type query and/or other form of interrogatory. Still referring to Figures 1A and IB, where the material type is associated with an active ID code 107, there is shown three material types. The three material types are 1.1 small non-hazardous material (e.g. soft plastics, coffee pods, printer cartridges or textiles), 1.2 small non-compactable material (e.g. batteries), and 1.3 Bulky Items (e.g. fridges). These material types are described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. It is understood that the three material types of the corresponding physical items listed above are by way of example.

[056] The material type query or other form of interrogatory may depend upon the location of the corresponding physical items. If at the location, the logistics systems 109 are available to remove the corresponding physical item, that is, corresponding with an activated ID code, one or more of various logistics systems 109 may be dispatched to collect the physical item. Figures 1A and IB show a relationship between the material type associated with an active ID code 107 and the logistics systems 109 where 1.1 small non-hazardous material may be collected by 2.1 LGA kerbside collection, 1.2 small non-compactable material may be collected by 2.2 postal service/courier, and 1.3 Bulky Items may be collected by 2.3 third party contractor service. The third part contractor service may be an arrangement by a LGA or other service such as a ‘Freecycle network’ that may collect either without charge or may charge a fee to provide the service. A suitable manner of providing the material type query or other form of interrogatory may include predictive characterisations, clarifying matters and content so that suitable logistic systems are determined and the activated ID code is applied to the corresponding physical item(s) so that tracking may be effectuated and ultimately offsets may be applied.

[057] If, according to the location of the corresponding physical items, suitable logistic systems are not available, various content regarding options for suitable disposal may be made available. For example, collection locations may be available where logistic systems are not. At the remote server 103 a, the location of the target physical item and received information about material content of the target physical item can determine the material type query or other form of interrogatory delivered to the two-way communication device 101a. The responses to the material type query or other form of interrogatory may determine the appropriate logistic system(s) 109 as shown in Figures 1A and IB.

[058] A remote location 111 may be configured to be in communication with the remote server 103b and comprising a scanner of the communication device 101b being configured to scan the activated ID code. The remote location 111 may be configured to ascertain the material type based upon the scan of the activated ID code and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details. The remote server 103b may be configured to transmit a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when a comparison confirms the quantity value to be received by the two-way communication device 101b.

[059] Still referring to Figures 1A and IB, the remote location 111 may be a MRF and/or any other type recovery facility. In the matter of offsets, typically offsets are a method that can be used to compensate or “offset” a residual impact of an action or set of actions on the environment. Offsets are used to allocate a cost for these residual impacts and are intended to achieve long-term, secure and measurable environmental outcomes.

[060] Still referring to Figures 1A and IB, at the remote location 111, receipt of the corresponding physical item may include receipt of a physically present activated ID code. As described above, an activated ID code can take any suitable form and is associated with a corresponding physical item when the physical item arrives at the remote location 111. Discussed below are processes to distinguish associated corresponding physical items and disclosed methods and systems for applying offsets.

[061] At the remote location 111 communication between the remote server 103b and a two- way communication device 101b may change the ID code state, or related attribute, from “inactive” to “received” such that a MRF acting as the remote location 111 and receiving the corresponding physical items may identify the material type of the corresponding physical items. Depending upon a type of offsets, for example, a dwelling post-consumer material offset 113, a producer post-consumer aggregate material offset 115 and/or depending upon the locality’ s offset compliance regime, a calculation of post-consumer material quantity value 117 can be made and/or a calculation 119 of an aggregate material quantity can be made.

[062] As mentioned above, additional streams of offset calculations including for example, producer targeted post-consumer material may include authentication of recovery and/or recycling rate compliance. For example, within a locality, a producer may determine aggregate targeted post-consumer material collected and recycled. In one example, quantity values of post-consumer soft plastics packaging sold in a locality may be compared to the same packaging collected and recycled in a locality. The quantity values may be transmitted to the remote server 103b so that aggregate values of a particular type of post-consumer materials may determine a recovery and/or recycling rate 121. This level of recovery and/or recycling rate may be reported to a Government body or a scheme co-ordinator to enable the level of compliance to an EPR scheme or otherwise identify areas that could be targeted to improve a level of recycling or recovery 123.

[063] Also as mentioned above, retailers’ in specific locations may be involved with target post-consumer material which may be the subject of regulated or voluntary offset. To the remote server 103 a/ 103b, retailers of consumer material 125 may transmit consumer materials in stock/purchased and/or calculations of consumption offsets targeted under an EPR scheme or otherwise, required and/or expected. The remote location 111, in communication with the remote server 103a/103b, may provide an ID code state, or related attribute, changes such that a MRF that received the corresponding physical items identified by the activated ID code may be applied to the offsets of the retailers of consumer material 125. The consumption post consumer material offset value may in turn be transmitted via the remote server 103a/103b and via the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb to provide a quantity value for a consumption post-consumer material offset 127. As discussed below, a quantity value associated with one or more changes in status of an activated ID code in accordance with the processes and operations of the remote location 111 may be applied to offsets values having different characteristics.

[064] Figures 2A and 2B depict an embodiment wherein the two-way communication device 101a is used to activate/receive an inactive ID code. As discussed above, the inactive ID code can be of any suitable form while the process by which to receive the ID code by the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb and/or the remote server 103a/103b is understood to include any suitable manner. In this example, upon scanning the ID code, the processor of the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb may generate a material type query as depicted. As discussed above, the location of the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb may be used to determine the material type query, as various logistics services may be available or not available depending on the material type. The material type query may be determined by a selection input by the user of the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb or by a scan or photograph taken using a camera of the two-way communication device. The target physical object which is the subject of a potential offset may be or may not be in the same location as the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb, therefore, the query generated may also include a query for the location of the target physical object as a logistic system determined may be directed to the location of the corresponding physical item.

[065] Correlation of an activated ID code to a target physical object changes the target physical object to a corresponding physical item. Any suitable manner in which the activated ID code is correlated to the corresponding physical item is within the scope of this discussion. For example, as mentioned above, if an activated ID code is printed on paper, the paper may be attached to a bag containing one or more corresponding physical items or alternatively the ID code may be printed directly onto a shopping bag or container used to purchase consumer materials that can be later re-purposed to be filled with the targeted post-consumer material and then scanned to initiate a logistics system for collection. In this way, when the corresponding physical item is received and processed at the remote location 111, the activated ID code may change its status. Alternatively, the activated ID code may be attached to packaging of the consumer material by the original manufacturer, as described above in relation to Figures 1A and IB.

[066] The change of the state, or related attribute, of an ID code from an inactivate ID code to active ID code may include determining, by the remote server 103a/103b, if the inactive ID code is valid 141a. If the ID code holds a deactivated state, or related attribute, then remote server 103a/103b may be notified at notification 142 after a decision 141b. A determine if the inactive ID code is valid 141a decision may be made that may result in determining whether the inactive ID code is rejected 143 or if the ID code is valid 145. If the ID code is valid 145, the two-way communication device 101a may transmit meta data including for example: geo location, device information, an ID code and other data to change the inactive state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an active ID code. If the ID code is not value, the decision 141b decides if the ID code is a “de-active” state. If no, then the reject ID code 143 occurs. If yes, then the notification 142 is sent to the remote server 103 a/ 103b.

[067] As discussed above, and shown on the display of the two-way device 101a of Figures 2A and 2B, one or more queries may be displayed. The response to the one or more queries may be configured by the selection of a material type of a corresponding physical item to provide scan value details and to determine a logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location. The logistics system being configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from the household/dwelling 105 to the remote location 111. It is understood that one or more queries can be presented in any suitable manner including voice prompt or on the display of the two- way communication device 101a. However, before a query is presented, a collection type determination 147 may be made as to whether kerbside or household collection service is available for the material or target physical object and the location of such target physical object.

[068] In one alternative, the collection type determination 147 may be performed by the two- way communication device 101a. The two-way communication device 101a may use a geolocation as a pickup location for the household/dwelling 105. A determination may be made, based on a latitude and longitude of the geolocation, to determine which LGA services the pickup location. The type of collection available may then be selected based on the LGA. In addition to determining the collection type, the two-way communication device 101a may also determine a suitable logistics system. In one example, the suitable logistics system is determined based on a LGA for the household/dwelling 105. Alternatively, the logistics system may operate separate to the LGA areas and based on other service are information. In one alternative, the two-way communication device 101a may communicate to the remote server 103a/103b to determine a collection type and/or suitable logistics system.

[069] Still referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb may send a query 149 to the remote server 103a/103b based upon the target physical object selection and the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb location. The send query 149 may occur based on the collection type determination 147, that is, if there is kerbside or household collection service available for the target physical object. The target physical object may now be changed to a corresponding physical item. When the collection type determination 147 is no, then a logistic system is not available at the location, such as kerbside or other household collection service for transport to a local material recovery facility (or similar centre for the aggregation and processing of recyclable materials). As no logistic system is available the two- way communication device 101a may display alternative resources 151. The alternative resources may be provided (i.e. displayed) recommending alternative services such as store drop off, recycling centre drop off, municipal contact, or the like. The two-way communication device 101a may display direct links/communication to alternative resources, such as a phone number, web site, email address or map directions. The location of the display alternative resources 151 may be determined using the geolocation information for the two-way communication device 101a. The two-way communication device 101a may contain a list of display alternative resources 151 or may query the remote server 103a/103b to determine suitable display alternative resources 151. A suitable display alternative resources 151 may be selected based on what materials are collected, a distance from the two-way communication device 101a measure is travel time or travel distance, or a combination. As resources become more available to process different kinds of post-consumer material, the manners for engagement may change and grow, so the enabling equipment, logistical steps, material types and data transmissions may be upgraded to support additional logistics, aggregation and processing systems for recycling.

[070] Still referring to the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb may communicate with the remote server 103a/103b so that a selection 161 can provide to a user of the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb. The selection 161 allows the user to select a material type associated with an activated ID code 163. The material type may be, for example, small non- hazardous (compactable) material, non-compactable materials (household small goods), or Bulky Items (such as mattresses or white goods refrigerators and the like). The material type associated with an activated ID code 163 may serve to automatically request the logistic services. The material types may be user-defined, such as small compactable item for kerbside bin 165a, small item but not for kerbside bin 165b, bulky item 165c, or other small item, not for kerbside bin 165d. The logistic systems may be LGA kerbside collection 167a, postal service/courier 167b, third party contactor 167c, or postal contractor/service/courier/1 :1 deliver 167d.The logistic systems may be user-defined according to the geo-location.

[071] Briefly referring to Figures 1A and IB, the logistics systems may transport to one or more remote location 111, wherein as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In accordance with the material recovery facilities at the remote location 111 and/or the remote server 103a/103b, as set out in detail above, determinations of one or more consumer material quantity value at an offset calculation 171 may be associated with a change in the status of an activated ID code determined, for example, at the remote location 111. The offset calculation 171 may provide a dwelling offset assignment 173 to a location (the quantity value of the recycled) or provide other offsets as discussed above with respect to one or more offset quantity values. Alternatively, a logistics systems such as the postal contractor/service/courier/1 :1 deliver 167d may transport to an alternative location 168 such as shown in Figure 2. The offset calculation 171 may be measured and allocated according to the material type selection with the active ID code.

[072] It is understood that the depicted remote locations 111 may be one or more remote locations which may operate to sort, measure and/or allocate offsets depending upon the type of post-consumer materials nominated by the user for material recycling collection services. It is understood that the present description is agnostic to the type of post-consumer materials nominated. As depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, logistics systems 167a, 167b, 167c and/or 167d received, moved and delivered one or more corresponding physical items between locations, for example, from location 105 to a remote location 111.

[073] Figures 3 A and 3B depict a process of receiving material as a corresponding physical item 106 from a household/dwelling 105 or other geolocation). Any type of post-consumer material which is the corresponding physical item 106 can be associated with the scanned ID code in any suitable manner. As discussed above, the processor of the two-way communication device 101a may be configured to transmit the ID code to the remote server 103 a/ 103b which may be configured to change the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code. In Figures 3A and 3B, the corresponding physical item 106 is associated with an activated ID code 102 in any suitable manner. In the example of Figures 3A and 3B the ID code 102 is attached to a bag containing the corresponding physical item 106.

[074] At the remote location 111, a communication device 201 which includes a scanner, processor, transmitter, wireless or wired and may include a display and may be a two-way communication device, can scan the ID code that is associated with a corresponding physical item 106. The communication device 201 may be the same or similar to the two-way communication device 101a or communication device 101b and may be a mobile phone, tablet or other computing device. Based upon scanned data 203 received from the communication device 201, which may constitute an additional or second scan of the activated ID code, a state, or related attribute, of an activated ID code may be updated to “received”. Depending upon the configuration or operation of the remote location 111, various items of the corresponding physical item 106 may be separated prior to scanning of the scanned data 203. Alternatively, scanning of the scanned data 203 may cause separation of the various items to occur and be processed in different streams. When the various items of the corresponding physical item 106 are separate additional scanning may take place to generate additional scanned data 205. The ID code scan N+l may take place at multiple points at the remote location 111.

[075] The state, or related attribute, of ID code scanned by the communication device 201 may be determined as an inactive ID code as depicted in Figures 2A and 2B where the ID code was rejected at the reject ID code 143. While a household/dwelling 105 may therefore not be associated with the ID code, aggregate offset quantity values may still be allocated. At the time when an ID code is rejected, when scanned by the communication device 201, the ID code may become activated so that a consequent relational quantity value may be calculated to provide an aggregate offset measurement.

[076] In the event that a state, or related attribute, or status of an ID code scanned by the communication device 201 may be determined as active ID code 207, the communication device 201 may transmit the activated ID code data and associated meta data to the remote server 103a/103b at transmit data 218. The associated meta data may include household/dwelling data, material type gathered from the user, material type nominated by the user or in the alternative, a sorting capability of the remote location if it is determined that the material type nominated by the user was correct, geolocation data ID, and the activated ID code may change its state, or related attribute, to “x received”.

[077] As various offset aggregations may be determined, as discussed above, for example, for a producer and/or retailer, the material type may be aggregated to a batch and an aggregate ID code may be associated 211. Accordingly, the remote server 103a/103b may provide calculations of a post-consumer material quantity value dependent upon the relevant offsets 213. In the case of a household/dwelling post-consumer material quantity value 215, such as an offset value may be communicated by the remote server 103a/103b to the two-way communication device lOla/lOlb as depicted in Figures. 1A, IB, 2A and 2B. In the case of a producer and/or retailer, or other relevant entity or party, a material type may be aggregated into one or more batches and aggregate ID codes may therefore be assigned 221a.

[078] Referring to the event that a state, or related attribute, of ID code scanned by the communication device 201 may not be determined as an active ID code at an ID code check 217, the disclosed systems and methods may determine if the ID code is valid. The ID code may be valid, but not capable of being associated with a dwelling/household. In that event, the communication device 201 may proceed to transmit data 219. The data transmitted at the transmit data 219 may be the valid ID code data and associated meta data to a remote server 103a/103b. The meta data may include dwelling data, geolocation data ID and a material type may be gathered from source other than the material type nominated by the user nominated material type. For example, the material type may be gathered from a sorting capability of the remote location including assessment of the physical properties of the material (eg: sorting system differentiating material by weight, and/or other methods). Additionally, the activated ID code may change its state, or related attribute, to “x received”. Similar to the step 221a or the same step as 221b, in the case of a producer and/or retailer, or other relevant entity or party, a material type may be aggregated into one or more batches and aggregate ID codes may therefore be assigned 221 a/22 lb.

[079] While the ID code is not an activated ID code, a communication device 223 which includes a scanner, processor, transmitter, wireless or wired and may include a display and may be a two-way communication device, can scan the ID code to associate it with a corresponding physical item 106. Once the communication device 223 associates the ID code with the corresponding physical item 106 it’s the state, or related attribute, or status changes, the communication device 223 may transmit one or more aggregate ID codes 225 to notify the remote server 103a/103b when the corresponding physical item 106 is sent for end processing with meta data that may include for example geolocation, material type, a quantity value, MRF data (remote location 111) user data and bale data. Accordingly, a calculation 227 of aggregate material quantity value can be made, and some type of public token may be generated. The token, or the aggregate material quality value, may be used by a producer, retailer, or other relevant entity or party to realise one or more consumer aggregate material offsets.

[080] In the event that the ID code scanned by the communication device 201 is not valid at the ID code check 217, a material type may be aggregated into one or more batches and aggregate ID codes may therefore be assigned 231. A quantity value of a material type may be determined and transmitted to the remote server 103 a/ 103b.

[081] The disclosed systems and methods integrate households into the collection and processing of post-consumer materials. The systems and methods provide householders the ability to initiate the collection of a wide range of targeted post-consumer materials and receive information regarding a confirmation notification that the material was received and an indication of the post-consumer material recycled compared to the amount purchased. This may result in overall reduced household consumption and/or beneficial re-use of household items.

[082] The disclosed methods and systems assist collectors and processors of recyclables and waste to form better segregated collection and processing of targeted post-consumer materials. Provision of such targeted collection logistics systems enables formation of targeted downstream processing. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and systems help separate problematic materials, such as Hazardous Household Items and difficult to separate materials, from existing comingled recyclables and the general waste stream.

[083] The disclosed methods and systems may be used by producers of the post-consumer materials to determine the effectiveness of the EPR schemes. The disclosed systems and methods may also be used by an EPR scheme co-ordinator whereby the ID code and the aggregated ID code may determine offsets and corresponding credits.

[084] The disclosed methods and systems may inform Governments on the efficacy of EPR schemes entered into by producers - including the amount of targeted material collected and recycled within a given authority or area. The disclosed methods and systems may also enable LGAs to better tailor existing waste and recycling systems to collect and process a wider range of material types into newly developed supply chains being developed to meet the requirements of EPR schemes.

[085] The figures included herewith show aspects of non-limiting representative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, and particular structural elements shown in the figures may not be shown to scale or precisely to scale relative to each other. The depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, an analogous, categorically analogous, or similar element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith. The presence of "/" in a figure or text herein is understood to mean "and/or" unless otherwise indicated, i.e., “A/B” is understood to mean “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[086] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [087] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A recycling system comprising: a two-way communication device and a remote server, the two-way communication device comprising a processor, a transmitter and a scanner, the scanner being configured to scan an ID code; the processor being configured to transmit the ID code, the remote server configured to change a state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code; upon scanning the ID code, the processor being configured to generate a material type query, the response to which being configured by the selection of a material type of a corresponding physical item to provide scan value details and to determine a logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location, the logistics system being configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from the location to the remote location, the logistics system being selected according to the material type of the corresponding physical item; the remote location being configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprising a scanner being configured to scan the activated ID code, the remote location being configured to ascertain the material type based upon the scan of the activated ID code and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details, the remote server being configured to transmit a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when the comparison confirms the quantity value so as to be received by the two-way communication device.

2. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the logistics system is also selected according to a geolocation of the two-way communication device.

3. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the two-way communication device comprises a location device, wherein the processor is configured to trigger the location device to generate a location of the two-way communication device upon scanning the ID code.

4. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, when the remote location scans the activated ID code, the remote server transmits a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value.

5. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the quantity value is an average value derived from an aggregated quantity value.

6. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, when the remote location scans a plurality of activated ID codes, the remote server collates the plurality of activated ID codes according to geolocation data.

7. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, when the remote server changes the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to the activated ID code, the remote server receives notification of the material type.

8. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the quantity value is attributed to an originating location.

9. The recycling system according to claim 8, wherein the quantity value attributed to the originating location is an offset for use in relation to produced post-consumer material having a same material type as the material type of the corresponding physical item.

10. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the quantity value of recycled material is compared to the quantity value of the same material sold.

11. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system.

12. The recycling system according to claim 1 further comprising: a collection vehicle configured to communicate with the remote server, the collection vehicle having a scanner configured to scan the ID code; and the remote server configured to change the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to a hazardous household item ID code in response to communication from the collection vehicle, wherein the communication is triggered by the collection vehicle scanning the ID code.

13. The recycling system according to claim 1, wherein the ID code is an active RFID device for a battery that provides power to the active RFID device

14. The recycling system according to claim 13, wherein the material type is a battery.

15. A recycling method of a system comprising a two-way communication device and a remote server, the two-way communication device comprising a processor, a transmitter and a scanner, the scanner being configured to scan an ID code, the method comprising: the scanner scanning the ID code; the processor transmitting the ID code; the remote server changing the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to an activated ID code; upon scanning the ID code, the processor generating a material type query; and the remote server receiving a response to the material type query representing a selection of a material type of a corresponding physical item to provide scan value details and to determine a logistics system to act between a location of the corresponding physical item and a remote location, the logistics system being configured to transport the activated ID code and the corresponding physical item from the location to the remote location, the logistics system being selected according to the material type of the corresponding physical item the remote location being configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprising a scanner being configured to scan the activated ID code, the remote location being configured to ascertain the material type based upon the scan of the activated ID code and to compare a quantity value of the corresponding physical item with scan details, the remote server being configured to transmit a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value of the item when the comparison confirms the quantity value so as to be received by the two-way communication device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the logistics system is also selected according to a geolocation of the two-way communication device.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the two-way communication device comprises a location device, wherein the processor is configured to trigger the location device to generate a location of the two-way communication device upon scanning the ID code.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the remote location is configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprises a scanner configured to scan the activated ID code and when the scanner scans the activated ID code, the remote server transmits a notification of the scan of the activated ID code and the quantity value.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the quantity value is an average value derived from an aggregated quantity value.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the remote location is configured to be in communication with the remote server and comprises a scanner configured to scan the activated ID code and when the scanner scans a plurality of activated ID codes, the remote server collates the plurality of activated ID codes according to geolocation data.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein, when the remote server changes the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to the activated ID code, the remote server receives notification of the material type.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein the quantity value is attributed to an originating location.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the quantity value attributed to the originating location is an offset for use in relation to produced post-consumer material having a same material type as the material type of the corresponding physical item.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein the quantity value of recycled material is compared to the quantity value of the same material sold.

25. The method according to claim 15, wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system.

26. The method according to claim 15, wherein the ID code is mated to the corresponding physical item, the ID code being capable of being scanned during collection for transport by the logistics system.

27. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: a collection vehicle communicating with the remote server, the collection vehicle having a scanner configured to scan the ID code; and the remote server changing the state, or related attribute, of the ID code to a hazardous household item ID code in response to communication from the collection vehicle, wherein the communication is triggered by the collection vehicle scanning the ID code.

28. The method according to claim 15, wherein the ID code is an active RFID device for a battery that provides power to the active RFID device

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the material type is a battery.

30. A method of identifying a hazardous item in a receptacle during collection by a collection vehicle, the method comprising: scanning, by the collection vehicle, an RFID device mated to the hazardous item located within the receptacle; receiving, by the collection vehicle, an ID code from the RFID device; determining that the received ID code is for a hazardous item; and preventing the collection vehicle from collecting at least the hazardous item.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the hazardous item is a battery and the RFID device is an active RFID device powered by the battery.