WO2022136817A1

WO2022136817A1 - Recycling station

Info

Publication number: WO2022136817A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/050289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan DORMER; Alex BLONDEK; Gary Badham; Gary Ross
Original assignee: Unisan Limited
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2021-02-09
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: GB202311179D0; GB2617980A; GB202020298D0

Abstract

The present invention concerns a recycling station. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a recycling station for receiving and storing disposable cups, and potentially food, beverage containers, disposable lids, and liquids. The recycling station comprises a waste liquid reservoir (14) for receiving waste liquid, and a cup receiving bin (16) arranged to receive the disposable cups. Both the liquid reservoir and the cup receiving bin can be removed from the frame on which they are mounted, but are arranged in such a way that removal of the cup receiving bin from the frame is prevented prior to removal of the waste liquid reservoir.

Description

Recycling Station

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a recycling station. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a recycling station for receiving and storing disposable cups, and potentially food, beverage containers, disposable lids, and liquids.

Background of the Invention

The use of disposable cups, and in particular the disposal of used disposable cups and lids, has a significant environmental impact. Disposable cups are often disposed of before the consumer has completely finished a drink. Simply providing a recycling bin into which a user can throw the cup does allow for the waste liquid to be separated from the cup before disposal. Therefore, such bins may fill with messy waste liquid as well as cup, making it more difficult to empty the bins and potentially reducing or preventing the recycling efficiency, for example by contaminating the otherwise recyclable material. Some recycling stations include a special liquid reservoir into which waste liquid may be poured before disposal of the disposable cup, but such arrangements are often overwhelmed with use, and overflowing waste liquid reservoirs may cause yet further maintenance problems. The emptying of such arrangements may also create further mess, with liquid and/or used disposable cups being spilled or dropped during the process.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved recycling station.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a recycling station for receiving disposable cups, the recycling station comprising: a waste liquid reservoir for receiving waste liquid; a cup receiving bin arranged to receive the disposable cups; a frame in which the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are removably mounted; wherein the waste liquid reservoir is arranged such that removal of the cup receiving bin from the frame is prevented prior to removal of the waste liquid reservoir.

The waste liquid reservoir may include a locking system, the locking system arranged to secure the waste liquid reservoir to the frame. The locking system may comprise a keyed or unkeyed lock. A keyed lock requires insertion of a correctly coded key in order to be locked and unlocked. An unkeyed lock does not require a coded key, and may simply be the rotation of a catch or operation of a push button between a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking system prevents removal of the waste liquid reservoir from the frame. In the unlocked position, the locking system allows removal of the waste liquid reservoir from the frame. The locking system may comprise an electronic lock, and may be locked and unlocked by operation of an electronic device. Such an electronic device may comprise a smart device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, or a passive device such as an RFID tag or card. Use of a smart device may allow for the remote locking and unlocking of the recycling station. The waste liquid reservoir may comprise an aperture for receiving waste liquid. The locking system may be located away from the aperture for receiving waste liquid. This may reduce the likelihood of waste liquid contaminating the locking system, which may reduce the effectiveness or operability of the locking system.

The waste liquid reservoir may comprise a collar, the collar arranged to obstruct movement of the cup receiving bin when the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are removably mounted in the frame. The collar may be an integral part of the waste liquid reservoir. Such an arrangement may reduce the number of steps required to remove the waste liquid reservoir from the recycling station during emptying of the waste liquid reservoir. The collar may be removable from remainder of the waste liquid reservoir. In such an arrangement, the recycling station may comprise a clip or housing suitable for holding the collar when removed from the remainder of the waste liquid reservoir. The recycling station may comprise a clip or housing suitable for holding the collar when the collar is integral to the waste liquid reservoir. The clip may be associated with the locking system of the recycling station. This may improve the ease of emptying the waste liquid reservoir, and/or present the collar from being a trip hazard during emptying of the waste liquid reservoir. The collar of the waste liquid reservoir may comprise a removable protrusion, for example a clip. The removable protrusion may abut or engage with the cup receiving bin when the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are both received in the frame of the recycling station. For example, a removable clip on the collar of the waste liquid reservoir may be arranged to engage with a corresponding clip or receiving slot on the cup receiving bin. In an alternative arrangement, a removable protrusion may be provided on the cup receiving bin, which abuts or engages with the collar of the waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are both received in the frame of the recycling station. Removing the removable protrusion from the collar of the waste liquid reservoir, or the cup receiving bin, may allow the cup receiving bin to be removed from the frame without having to first remove the waste receiving reservoir. A user may appreciate the adaptability of the recycling station.

The recycling station may comprise a bin support, the bin support arranged to support the cup receiving bin when the cup receiving bin is removed from the frame. The bin support may reduce trip hazards when emptying the recycling station. The bin support may also increase the ease of emptying the recycling station, and/or reduce the likelihood of further mess being created. The bin support may be a catch, clip, or a magnet arranged to attract a magnet on the cup recycling bin. The cup receiving bin may comprise a corresponding catch, clip, or magnet, arranged to connected to, or be attracted to, a catch, clip, or magnet of the bin support.

The locking system may be the bin support. The locking system may have a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the unlocked position the locking system extends away from the frame such that the bin support is provided. The locking system may comprise a catch or clip which extends away from the frame in the unlocked position. Such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of the bin support being caught on the clothes or luggage of a person travelling past the bin The waste liquid reservoir may comprise a level indicator. The level indicator may comprise a float. The float may comprise a tongue which extends out of the waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid reservoir is full, and requires emptying. The float may block or restrict further liquid from being poured into the waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid reservoir is full. The float may be arranged to trigger a notification. The notification may be an electronic signal sent by a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device may be arranged to operate by any suitable wireless communications protocol, for example via radio waves, Bluetooth or WIFI. The notification may be sent to a smart device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Information regarding the notification may be stored by the smart device. Such information may provide useful information about the frequency of use of the recycling station. Such information may assist in arranging cleaning cycles, and/or help inform the choice of optimum location of the recycling station. The notification may comprise an audible and/or visual alarm being triggered. The recycling station may comprise a speaker arranged to emit an audible alarm, and/or a light or display arranged to emit a visual alarm. The speaker, light, or display may be configured to emit lights or sounds when a consumer uses the recycling station, potentially encouraging use. An LED light strip may be fixed to the recycling station and flash when a user disposes of a cup, and/or flash to attract attention to the recycling station. The recycling station may be connected to mains electricity in order to power the various active elements. The recycling station may be provided with a battery in order to power the various active elements. The battery may be charged by a solar panel, or other convenient and environmentally friendly charging apparatus.

The waste liquid reservoir may comprise a baffle. The baffle may be arranged to prevent solid waste from entering the waste liquid reservoir. For example, the baffle may comprise a mesh or grid sized to prevent passage of solid waste, such as stirrers, wrappers, or waste food. The baffle may be arranged to funnel waste liquid into the waste liquid reservoir. Such an arrangement may reduce the amount of waste liquid that misses the waste liquid reservoir with a resultant mess. The baffle may be arranged to partially contain the waste liquid within the waste liquid reservoir, such that if the waste liquid reservoir is dropped or knocked over during emptying, less liquid escapes the waste liquid reservoir. The baffle may be removable to allow for deep cleaning of the waste liquid reservoir.

The waste liquid reservoir may comprise an emptying aperture. The emptying aperture may provide for the smooth and controlled passage of waste liquid from the waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid reservoir is removed from the frame for emptying. The emptying aperture may allow a straightforward emptying of the waste liquid reservoir without the baffle needing to be removed from the waste liquid reservoir. The emptying aperture may be inaccessible when the waste liquid reservoir is mounted within the frame. Such an arrangement may prevent solid waste from entering the waste liquid reservoir in normal use. This may also provide security advantages, reducing the possibility of dangerous articles such as explosive devices, being hidden in the waste liquid reservoir.

The cup receiving bin may comprise a top collar and a plurality of rods extending downwards from the top collar. The plurality of rods may guide the cups as they are inserted into the cup receiving bin, and encourage space efficient stacking of the cups. There may be three or four rods. A removable waste bag may be pulled over the plurality of rods, such that cups inserted into the cup receiving bin are received within the removable waste bag. Emptying the cup receiving bin may comprise pulling the cup receiving bin away from the removable waste bag such that the plurality of rods slide out of the removable waste bag leaving the cups behind. Such an arrangement may allow quick and clean emptying of the cup receiving bin, even where some waste liquid remains in the cups. The cup receiving bin may be used without a removable waste bag to reduce the amount of single use material used by the recycling station. The top collar provides an aperture through which a disposable cup may be inserted. The aperture may be sized to restrict access to cups of a certain diameter or less. The aperture may be tapered to encourage stacking of cups inserted through the top collar.

The cup receiving bin may further comprise a bottom collar, and the plurality of rods extend downward from the top collar to the bottom collar. The bottom collar may provide additional stability to the rods. The bottom collar may be tapered to help guide cups into place in the bottom of the cup receiving bin. Such an arrangement may encourage space efficient stacking of the cups. The taper of the bottom collar may range from 5 degrees to 80 degrees to the vertical direction.

The cup receiving bin may comprise a small reservoir or blanking bung located at the bottom of the cup receiving bin, the small reservoir or blanking bung arranged to collect any liquid that finds a way into the cup receiving bin and reducing or removing the likelihood of leakage. The cup recycling station may comprise a plurality of cup receiving bins. Provision of a plurality of cup receiving bins may increase the capacity of the recycling station, and reduce the frequency of emptying required. The plurality of cup receiving bins may be configured to receive the same sized cup, or different sized cups. For example, a regular sized cup receiving bin may be provided, along with an espresso cup receiving bin. Such an arrangement, in which specific cup sizes are stacked together, may be more space efficient than stacking cups of different sizes in the same receiving bin. A cup receiving bin may be adapted for receiving a different sized cup by the provision of different rods extending from the top collar to the bottom collar, and/or a different top collar and/or bottom collar. The rods may comprise an elbow to allow insertion into a common top collar whilst still providing a reduced rod spacing for use with smaller cups.

The recycling station may comprise a lid receiving bin. The lid receiving bin is configured to receive lids of disposable cups. The lid receiving bin may comprise a similar rod and upper and lower collar arrangement to that described for the cup receiving bin, including a taper to encourage space efficient stacking of the cup lids. The frame may comprise a top plate. The top plate may comprise a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may be sized and shaped to allow the insertion of the waste liquid reservoir, the cup receiving bin or bins, and/or the lid receiving bin. Each of the waste liquid reservoir, the cup receiving bin or bins, and the lid receiving bin may have a different shape and size cross-section, such that they may only be inserted in the correspondingly shaped and sized apertures in the top plate. Such an arrangement ensures that the correct recycling station configuration is provided. The configuration may be chosen to encourage positive user behaviour. For example, the waste liquid reservoir may be located in the centre of the top plate, and cup receiving bins and lid receiving bins may be disposed around the waste liquid reservoir. Such an arrangement may encourage the user to first pour away the waste liquid in their disposable cup, place the lid in a lid receiving bin, and then place the cup in a cup receiving bin. The number of cup receiving bins and lid receiving bins may be the same or may be different. The plurality of apertures may be sized and shaped to allow insertion of the cup receiving bin into either an aperture for the cup receiving bin or the lid receiving bin, but only allow lid receiving bins to be received in an aperture specifically for the lid receiving bin. The top plate may comprise a rim, such that liquid spilled on to the top plate when emptying the contents of a cup into the waste liquid reservoir, or inserting a cup into a cup receiving bin, is contained within the rim. Such an arrangement will prevent the spilled liquid from running onto the floor around the recycling station, where it could form a slip hazard. The top plate may be sloped to direct any spilled liquid to a preferred location, for example towards the rear of the recycling station rather than around a cup receiving bin where the liquid may be transferred to the sleeve of a user of the recycling station. The slope may also increase the volume of the rimmed area, allowing a greater volume of spilled liquid to be contained. The top plate may also act as an emergency reservoir if a user attempts to pour liquid into the waste liquid reservoir when already full, thus causing the waste liquid reservoir to overflow.

The recycling station may comprise a further bin, for example for receiving wooden stirrers and/or used sugar sachets.

The cup recycling station may comprise a shell located around the frame, the waste liquid reservoir, and the cup receiving bin, such that access to space between the frame, the waste liquid reservoir, and the cup receiving bin is prevented. Such an arrangement may improve the security of the recycling station, for example by removing voids which could otherwise be used to hide dangerous articles, for example explosive devices. Such an arrangement may improve the aesthetic appearance of the recycling station, and may provide a surface on which to provide promotional or instructional information. The shell may be made by moulding or extruding, or any other suitable manufacturing technique. The shell may be made out of a plastics, metal, or composite material.

The recycling station may comprise a modular arrangement. The modular arrangement may allow one or more recycling stations to be joined together to provide larger capacity recycling stations. The modular arrangement may include the frame of the recycling station comprising a back plate. The back plate may be configured for connection to a corresponding back plate on another recycling station such that a freestanding recycling station results. Alternatively, the back plate may be configured for connection to a fixed surface, for example a wall. A modular arrangement may increase the flexibility of the recycling station to be used in different environments. The frame may be connected to an advertising plate or pole. The advertising plate may be shaped like a large cup, giving the recycling station a cup-like appearance. Such an arrangement may improve the visibility of the bin and make it clear what the recycling station is intended for. The advertising plate or pole may include promotional or instructional information. The advertising plate or pole may be shaped and coloured like a flag. The advertising plate or pole may comprise an electronic display, the electronic display including promotional or instructional information.

The advertising plate or pole may be removably attached to the frame, to allow easy removal for cleaning, and/or to provide different advertising plate or pole options to be offered. For example, if the advertising plate is specific to the location of the recycling station, for example in a coffee shop, the advertising plate may include the logo of the coffee shop. However, a different advertising plate may be used if the recycling station is used in a different coffee shop.

The recycling station may comprise an electronic user interface. The electronic user interface may comprise a near field communications unit. The near field communications unit may be arranged to communicate with an app on a user’s smart device, for example a phone, watch, or tablet. The near field communications unit may be arranged to credit a user each time they use the recycling station, for example to generate loyalty bonuses. Such an arrangement may encourage a user to recycle a disposable cup instead of disposing of the cup in general waste.

The waste liquid reservoir may comprise a removable protrusion which prevents removal of the cup receiving bin from the frame prior to removal of the waste liquid reservoir. For example, the waste liquid reservoir may comprise one or more removable tabs or catches which engage with, or abut, the cup receiving bin when both the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are removably mounted in the frame of the recycling station. Removing the tabs or catches from the waste liquid reservoir may allow the cup receiving bin to be removed from the recycling station without first needing to remove the waste liquid reservoir. Such an arrangement may allow the cup recycling station to be adapted when a user does not desire the waste liquid reservoir to secure the cup receiving bin in the frame. For example, if a user expects the cup receiving bin to be emptied more regularly than the waste liquid reservoir, they may want to be able to empty the cup receiving bin without having to remove the waste liquid reservoir. The removable tabs or catches may be removed such that they can be re-engaged with the waste liquid reservoir, for example with cooperating formations mechanically attaching the two components. Such an arrangement allows the user to adapt the recycling station, and return the recycling station to an earlier state with ease.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a bin for receiving a disposable cup or lid from a disposable cup, the bin comprising: a top collar comprising an aperture through which disposable cups or lids from disposable cups can pass, a bottom collar, and a plurality of rods extending from the top collar to the bottom collar.

The bottom collar may be tapered to encourage stacking of disposable cups or lids from disposable cups. The taper may range from 5 degrees to 80 degrees to the horizontal. The taper may be chosen to match the taper of a disposable cup.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a recycling station comprising: a frame, a bin removably mounted in the frame, and a locking arrangement arranged to secure the bin within the frame in a locked configuration and allow removal of the bin from the frame in an unlocked configuration; wherein the locking arrangement further comprises a protrusion which is deployed in the unlocked position, such that said protrusion may engage with the bin once the bin is removed from the frame.

The bin may comprise a collar, the collar configured to engage with the protrusion of the locking arrangement.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a waste disposal station comprising: a first bin for receiving a first waste product; a second bin for receiving a second waste product; a frame in which the first bin and second bin are removably mounted; wherein the first bin is arranged such that removal of the second bin from the frame is prevented prior to removal of the first bin.

The waste disposal station may allow convenient sorting of different waste materials, for example, materials that can be recycled and materials that cannot be recycled. Such materials may include batteries, plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, glass, or consumables such as make-up, food, or drink.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a waste liquid reservoir for a recycling station, the waste liquid reservoir comprising: - lo an enclosed volume for receiving and containing waste liquid; an aperture through which waste liquid is poured into the enclosed volume, a grille covering the aperture to prevent solid materials over a certain size passing through the aperture, a floating baffle, the floating baffle arranged to float into a raised position when the enclosed volume is full of waste liquid. The floating baffle may, in the raised position, trigger a notification that the enclosed volume is full. The notification may be triggered by an electronic sensor located on the floating baffle. The floating baffle may comprise a vertical baffle extending into the enclosed volume.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the first aspect of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a recycling station according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the recycling station of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the recycling station of figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a view of a lid receiving bin of the recycling station of figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a view of the waste liquid reservoir of the recycling station of figure 1

Figure 6 shows a view of the waste liquid reservoir of figure 1;

Figure 7 shows a view of the collar of the lid receiving bin of figure 4; and Figure 8 shows a view of the top plate of the recycling station of figure 1.

Detailed Description Figures 1 to 3 show a recycling station 10. The recycling station 10 comprises a back plate 12 which gives the recycling station 10 the silhouette of a disposable cup with a lid. A waste liquid reservoir 14 is surrounded by a first cup receiving bin 16, a lid receiving bin 18, and a second cup receiving bin 20. When a consumer approaches the bin, it is intended that they empty any waste liquid remaining in their disposable cup into the waste liquid reservoir 14, place the lid of the disposable cup in the lid receiving bin 18, and the disposable cup in one of the first cup receiving bin 16 and second receiving bin 20.

As best seen in figure 3, the first cup receiving bin 16 and second cup receiving bin 18 each comprise a top collar 22, 24. The top collars 22, 24, define a circular aperture shaped and sized to receive a disposable cup. The lid receiving bin 18 also comprises a top collar 26, with the top collar 26 defining a slot aperture sized and shaped to receive the lid of a disposable cup. Such an arrangement encourages cups to be placed in the cup receiving bins 16, 18, and lids to be placed in the lid receiving bin 18. The top collars 22, 24, 26, are all engaged with a top plate 28, which includes receiving apertures for each of the first cup receiving bin 16, the second cup receiving bin 20, and the lid receiving bin 18. The recycling station 10 includes a base 30, which is connected to the top plate 28 by supporting rods which run in parallel to and adjacent with the back plate 12. The base 30, the supporting rods, and top plate 28 form a frame which supports the waste liquid reservoir 14, the first cup receiving bin 16, the second cup receiving bin 20, and the lid receiving bin 18. As best seen in figure 8, the top plate 28 comprises a rim 29 and is sloped from the front of the recycling station 10 to the back of the recycling station 10. This provides an emergency reservoir volume which contains any liquid spilled when emptying a cup into the liquid receiving reservoir, for example due to missing the liquid receiving reservoir or the liquid receiving reservoir overflowing, or when a cup is inserted into a cup receiving bin 16, 18. The top plate 28 prevents the spilled liquid from running onto the floor around the recycling station 10 where it would present a slip hazard. The liquid receiving reservoir 14 comprises a locking collar 32 which engaged with the top collars 22, 24, 26, of the first cup receiving bin 16, lid receiving bin 18, and second cup receiving bin 20, such that removal of the first cup receiving bin 16, lid receiving bin 18, and second cup receiving bin 20 from the top plate 28 is prevented, without first removing the liquid receiving reservoir 14. The waste liquid reservoir 14 is arranged to be locked in position relative to the top plate 28 via a telescopic lock 34 which extends from the outer portion of the top plate 28, underneath the top plate 28. In this arrangement the lock 34 is a keyed lock, meaning that a suitably coded key is required to be inserted into the lock to lock or unlock the waste liquid reservoir 14 in position. However, in alternative arrangements, the lock may simply comprise a lever which may be operated by a user in order to lock or unlock the waste liquid reservoir 14 in position. In the locked position, part of the lock 34 engages with the waste liquid reservoir 14, such that the waste liquid reservoir 14 cannot be removed from the top plate 28. In the unlocked position, that part of the lock 34 disengaged from the waste liquid reservoir 14 such that the waste liquid reservoir 14 can be removed from the top plate 28. Once removed, the waste liquid reservoir 14 may be emptied of waste liquid. Also once the waste liquid reservoir 14 has been removed, each of the first cup receiving bin 16, lid receiving bin 18, and second cup receiving bin 20 may be removed for emptying. In the unlocked position, the lock 34 is arranged to extend from the outer portion of the top plate 28, and provides a latch which may support any of the top collars 22, 24, 26, when any of the first cup receiving bin 16, lid receiving bin 18, and second cup receiving bin 20 is removed from the top plate 28 for emptying. This allows a user to ensure that the various bins do not fall over or present a trip hazard during the emptying process. In the embodiment shown, the top collars 22, 24, 26 each engage with the top plate 28 in the same way, with matching formations on the top collars 22, 24, 26 and the top plate 28 in each position. This allows a user to configure the recycling station however they prefer. In an alternative embodiment, the top collars 22 and 24 of the first cup receiving bin 16 and second cup receiving bin 20, may have a first type of formation, with corresponding formations in the respective positions on the top plate 28, and top collar 26 of the lid receiving bin 18 may have a second type of formation with a corresponding formation in the position shown on the top plate 28. In such an arrangement, the position of the various bins may be controlled, for example to promote positive user behaviour and ensuring the optimum combination of bin space is provided.

The top plate 28 includes a near field communications (NFC) device 40. The NFC device is arranged to communicate with an app which a user has downloaded onto a smart device, such as a tablet, mobile phone, or watch. When a user recycles a cup using the recycling station 10, the user may bring their smart device into proximity to the NFC device 40, such that their use of the recycling station 10 is logged on the app. The app may offer user rewards linked to the frequency and number of times the recycling station 10 is used.

The recycling station 10 comprises a shell which extends from the top plate 28 to the base 30, though this is not shown in figures 1 to 3 in order that the internal details of the recycling station 10 may be seen. The shell encloses the voids between the first cup receiving bin 16, the lid receiving bin 18, and the second cup receiving bin 20. This prevents the voids being used to hide explosive materials. The shell is secured by the top plate 28 and the base 30, which prevent removal of the shell without removal of the top plate 28, which may only be done by an authorised operative.

As shown, the back plate 12 may be fixed to a wall to secure the recycling station 10 in place. The back plate 12 may also be fixed to a back plate of another recycling station 10, such that a stand alone recycling station is produced, with double the capacity of a wall mounted recycling station.

The lid receiving bin 18 is shown removed from the recycling station 10 in figure 4. Four rods 36 extend from the top collar 26 to a bottom collar 38. The bottom collar has curved and tapered sides in order to encourage need stacking of lids placed into the lid receiving bin 18. The rods 36 contain the lids within the lid receiving bin 18, allowing use of the lid receiving bin 18 with, or without a plastic bag. If a plastic bag is used, the bag may be slide over the bottom collar 38, the rods 36, and attach to a clip or be otherwise secured to the top collar 26. Provision of a bag may make emptying the lid receiving bin 18 easier and cleaner. If a plastic bag is not used, then the use of single use materials will be reduced, therefore further adding to the environmental benefit of using the recycling station. The first cup receiving bin 16 and second cup receiving 20 share a similar arrangement, with rods extending from the top collars 22, 24, to a bottom collar which is curved and tapered to encourage the efficient stacking of cups placed into the cup receiving bins.

Figure 5 shows the waste receiving reservoir 14 removed from the recycling station 10. A baffle 42 is provided at the top of the waste receiving reservoir, which slopes from the back to the front of the waste receiving reservoir 14, the front being indicated by the F arrow. The baffle is removable from the waste liquid reservoir 14 to allow deep cleaning to take place. An opening is provided at the front of the baffle 42, such that liquid poured onto the baffle runs to the front of the baffle and into the central tank 44 of the waste receiving reservoir 14. A mesh covers the opening at the front of the baffle 42 to prevent solid waste entering the central tank 44. A float 46 is provided at the top of the central tank 44, which floats upwards when the tank 44 is close to capacity. When the float moves upwards, a visual indicator 48 connected to the float protrudes to indicate that the waste liquid reservoir 14 is full and needs emptying. This will also discourage users from pouring more liquid into the waste liquid reservoir 14, which could cause overflow and/or spillage. The waste liquid reservoir 14 further comprises an electronic sensor arrangement, with a sensor located on the float 46 and an electronic reader located on a fixed portion towards the top of the waste liquid reservoir 14. When the central tank 44 is full of liquid, the float moves into a position where the sensor on the float is read by the electronic reader, which then sends out a notification that the waste liquid reservoir 14 needs emptying. The notification may be sent by any conventional communication means, and in this embodiment a text message is sent to a smart device of a cleaning operative. When in the full position, the float 46 also acts as a lid to the waste liquid reservoir 14, reducing the chances of liquid being spilled during emptying. The underside of the float 46 includes a vertical baffle to restrict movement of the waste liquid when the waste liquid reservoir 14 is being moved. The waste liquid reservoir 14 also includes a central, vertically disposed, baffle 52. This also helps to reduce movement of the waste liquid with the benefit of reducing likelihood of spills. The waste liquid reservoir 14 comprises an emptying aperture 50, through which waste liquid can be poured when emptying the central tank 44. This simplifies the emptying process, and means that the central tank 44 can be emptied without needing to dismantle the waste liquid reservoir.

In an alternative embodiment and as shown in figures 6 and 7, the waste liquid reservoir 14 comprises a collar with a plurality of removable tabs 15, which when present engage with or abuts a corresponding protrusion 17 on the collar 22 of a cup receiving bin or lid receiving bin such that removal of the cup receiving bin or lid receiving bin from the recycling station is prevented. The corresponding protrusion 17 may slide into engagement with the removable tab 15, or simply abut the removable tab 15. In an alternative embodiment, the removable tab forms part of the top collar of the cup receiving bin or lid receiving bin. When the removable tab is removed the cup receiving bin or lid receiving bin may be removed from the recycling station without first having to remove the waste liquid reservoir. This may be convenient when the cup receiving bins or lid receiving bins fill up faster than the waste liquid reservoir. The removable tab may be replaced in order to move the recycling station back into the original configuration. The replacement tab may be the same tab or a new tab. The replacement tab may engage with the waste receiving reservoir via engagement of corresponding formations, for example by cooperating clips or catches. Alternatively, the replacement tab may be engaged via adhesive pads or the suchlike.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A recycling station for receiving disposable cups, the recycling station comprising: a waste liquid reservoir for receiving waste liquid; a cup receiving bin arranged to receive the disposable cups; a frame in which the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are removably mounted; wherein the waste liquid reservoir is arranged such that removal of the cup receiving bin from the frame is prevented prior to removal of the waste liquid reservoir.

2. A recycling station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waste liquid reservoir includes a locking system, the locking system arranged to secure the waste liquid reservoir to the frame.

3. A recycling station as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waste liquid reservoir comprises a collar, the collar arranged to obstruct movement of the cup receiving bin when the waste liquid reservoir and cup receiving bin are removably mounted in the frame.

4. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a bin support, the bin support arranged to support the cup receiving bin when the cup recycling bin is removed from the frame.

5. A recycling station as claimed in claim 4, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the locking system is the bin support.

6. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the waste liquid reservoir further comprises a level indicator.

7. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the waste liquid reservoir comprises a baffle.

8. A recycling station as claimed in claim 7, wherein the waste liquid reservoir comprises an emptying aperture.

9. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cup receiving bin comprises a top collar and a plurality of rods extending downwards from the top collar.

10. A recycling station as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cup receiving bin further comprises a bottom collar, and the plurality of rods extend downward from the top collar to the bottom collar.

11. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of cup receiving bins.

12. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a lid receiving bin.

13. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a top plate, the top plate comprising a plurality of apertures configured to allow the insertion of the waste liquid reservoir, the cup receiving bin or bins, and/or the lid receiving bin, the top plate further comprising a rim.

14. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a shell located around the frame, the waste liquid reservoir, and the cup receiving bin, such that access to space between the frame, the waste liquid reservoir, and the cup receiving bin is prevented.

15. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an electronic user interface. - 18 -

16. A recycling station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the waste liquid reservoir comprises a removable protrusion which prevents removal of the cup receiving bin from the frame prior to removal of the waste liquid reservoir.

17. A bin for receiving a disposable cup or lid from a disposable cup, the bin comprising: a top collar comprising an aperture through which disposable cups or lids from disposable cups can pass, a bottom collar, and a plurality of rods extending from the top collar to the bottom collar.

18. A bin as claimed in claim 17, wherein the bottom collar is tapered to encourage stacking of disposable cups or lids from disposable cups.

19. A recycling station comprising: a frame, a bin removably mounted in the frame, and a locking arrangement arranged to secure the bin within the frame in a locked configuration and allow removal of the bin from the frame in an unlocked configuration; wherein the locking arrangement further comprises a protrusion which is deployed in the unlocked position, such that said protrusion may engage with the bin once the bin is removed from the frame.

20. A recycling station as claimed in claim 19, wherein the bin comprises a collar, the collar configured to engage with the protrusion of the locking arrangement.

21. A waste disposal station comprising: a first bin for receiving a first waste product; a second bin for receiving a second waste product; a frame in which the first bin and second bin are removably mounted; wherein the first bin is arranged such that removal of the second bin from the frame is prevented prior to removal of the first bin. - 19 -

22. A waste liquid reservoir for a recycling station, the waste liquid reservoir comprising: an enclosed volume for receiving and containing waste liquid; an aperture through which waste liquid is poured into the enclosed volume, a grille covering the aperture to prevent solid materials over a certain size passing through the aperture, a floating baffle, the floating baffle arranged to float into a raised position when the enclosed volume is full of waste liquid.