U.S. patent application number 12/754985 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for waste collection device, and waste recycling system.
Invention is credited to David Borowski, William Huddleston, Benjamin Thorp.
Application Number | 20110056952 12/754985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43646901 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110056952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borowski; David ; et
al. |
March 10, 2011 |
Waste Collection Device, and Waste Recycling System
Abstract
A waste collection device configured to shred, treat waste with
disinfectant, and/or remove water from the waste, and a waste
recycling system.
Inventors: |
Borowski; David; (Green Bay,
WI) ; Huddleston; William; (San Diego, CA) ;
Thorp; Benjamin; (Richmond, VA) |
Family ID: |
43646901 |
Appl. No.: |
12/754985 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12585249 |
Sep 9, 2009 |
|
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12754985 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.06 ;
220/87.1; 383/116; 383/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/1426 20130101;
B65F 1/0006 20130101; B65F 2210/144 20130101; B65F 2210/181
20130101; B65F 1/1468 20130101; B65F 1/1484 20130101; B65F 1/1638
20130101; B65F 7/00 20130101; B65F 2210/132 20130101; B65F 2210/137
20130101; B65F 2210/1128 20130101; B65F 2210/1123 20130101; B65F
1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.06 ;
383/116; 383/127; 220/87.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/16 20060101
B65D025/16; B65D 30/08 20060101 B65D030/08; B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A waste collection device for collecting waste at a store or
retail location, said device comprising: a stand alone collection
vessel configured to shred and disinfect the waste.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said collection vessel is
configured to remove water or liquid from the waste.
3. A device according to claim 1, including a removable waste
container disposed within said collection vessel.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said removable waste
container is a disposable plastic bag disposed within said
removable container.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said disposable plastic
bag is tagged.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said disposable plastic
bag is electronically tagged with an RFID.
7. A device according to claim 4, wherein a lower portion of said
disposable plastic bag is provided with at least one drain to allow
water or liquid from the waste to drain out of said disposable
plastic bag.
8. A device according to claim 4, wherein a lower portion of said
disposable plastic bag is perforated to allow water or liquid from
the waste to drain out of said disposable plastic bag.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein said collection vessel
includes: a collection vessel top portion; a collection vessel
middle portion configured to receive a removable waste container;
and a collection vessel bottom portion.
10. A device according to claim 9, including a shredder mechanism
located below said collection vessel top portion.
11. A device according to claim 9, wherein said collection vessel
bottom portion includes a sump.
12. A device according to claim 4, including a transport bag
configured to be affixed to said disposable plastic bag.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said transport bag is
configured to seal said disposable plastic bag inside to prevent
drainage of said disposable bag when removing said disposable
plastic bag from said collection vessel, and storing and
transporting said disposable plastic bag.
14. A device according to claim 10, wherein said collection vessel
top portion includes an automated door using a proximity sensor to
sense the presence of a user's hand to open and close said
automated door.
15. A device according to claim 15, wherein said automated door is
provided with an interlock configured so that said shredder
mechanism can only operate when said automated door is in a closed
and locked position.
16. A device according to claim 15, wherein said interlock includes
at least one proximity sensor configured to prevent said shredding
device from operation when a user is in proximity to said
collection vessel.
17. A device according to claim 1, including a spray device
disposed within said collection vessel for spraying disinfectant
onto the waste contained within said collection vessel.
18. A device according to claim 3, wherein said waste container is
a waste collection bag made of a polymer derived from corn or
soybeans.
19. A device according to claim 3, wherein said waste container is
a waste collection bag coated or impregnated with a biocide powder
which is activated in the presence of liquid or water vapor.
20. A waste recycling system for collecting targeted store waste
and maintaining a chain of custody of said targeted waste from
collection to recycling, said system comprising: collecting waste
in a waste collection device at a retail or store location, said
waste collection device configured to treat said waste with a
disinfectant and remove water or liquid from said waste.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Patent Application
entitled "A Waste Recycling System Using Tagged, Bar Coded or Other
Distinctively Marked Containers, Method of Recycling, and Container
Device", application Ser. No. 12/585,249, filed Sep. 9, 2009, now
pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A waste collection device, in particular a waste collection
device configured for use by customers or individuals onsite in
store, retail and/or office environments, and a waste recycling
system. In preferred embodiments of the waste collection device,
the waste collection device is configured to shred waste, disinfect
waste, reduce or remove water content, liquids and/or contaminating
liquids from the waste, and tag the waste for recycling
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today, most waste from stores, convenience stores, fast food
chains, restaurants, retail, and office environments or locations
is discarded by people or individuals (e.g. mainly customers and
employees) into waste cans or waste receptacles provide onsite.
These waste receptacles typically are fitted with removable plastic
bags, which can be closed when filled and removed from the
receptacles, and then disposed of in garbage cans or dumpsters
usually located outside the buildings and adjacent to the parking
lot of theses locations to facilitate removal by a waste disposal
service.
[0004] Typically, the waste is not sorted onsite, and all different
types of waste are thrown into the same waste receptacles resulting
in a wide variety of waste mixed together, including trash,
garbage, paper products, food, and other waste items. The plastic
bags filled with waste are thrown into a garbage can or dumpster,
and mixed with other plastic bags containing waste. This waste is
transported in the dumpsters or garbage trucks to land fills, and
typically not sorted before landfilling.
[0005] Currently, there exists a need to recover materials, which
requires sorting waste into targeted waste to allow this particular
waste to be effectively recycled. Once certain types of waste are
mixed together, even subsequent sorting may not allow the waste to
be recycled due to the contamination from the other waste. In
particular, food and beverage containers (e.g paper cups, paper
containers, plastic bottles, plastic containers) should not be
mixed with other waste, if the waste beverage and food containers
are going to be recycled into new products suitable for contact and
use with food and beverage that meet the standards and guidelines
of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Further, to ensure
proper handling of the waste food and beverage containers, the
custody of this waste from the point of disposal (e.g. store waste
receptacle) through recycling of this waste must be established,
tracked, maintained, and verified to assure no contamination
thereof. Thus, it is preferred that this type of wasted be
immediately sorted at the onsite location, and maintained separate
from the general mixed waste stream throughout collection,
transport, storage, and recycling thereof. However, if maintained
separate in the way described here it can be co-transported from
facility to facility.
[0006] Due to the large amount of labor involved with sorting, it
is desirable that individuals, users, customers and/or consumers of
the food and beverage containers begin the process of sorting by
placing these items in marked collection bins, vessels and/or
receptacles. For example, individuals, users, customers and/or
consumers immediately placing used paper cups into marked waste
containers begins the process of effectively sorting this
particular type of waste. The marked waste containers preferably
contain a removable disposable bag or liner, which when filled
could be removed and then disposed of into garbage cans or
dumpsters.
[0007] In the case of paper cups and plates, the paper substrate is
of a high quality paperboard stock, which has been treated with a
plastic, wax, or resin coating process to make the paperboard
resistant to water penetration and resulting degradation. It is
desirable to be able to recycle this particular type of paper stock
into new food grade paperboard suitable for manufacturing paper
cups, plates, and other direct food contact containers while
maintaining a sanitary environment and ensuring a high degree of
custody and segregation to avoid the inclusion of any hazardous or
deleterious materials
[0008] Due to the increasing public, private and government
awareness and interest in "going green", and being environmentally
friendly, there exists renewed interest and demand for recycled
products having greater percentages of recycled material content.
Thus, this demand will require new and effective systems and
methods of recycling waste into renewable products.
[0009] In most store, retail, office and commercial environments,
simple trash, waste and garbage cans or receptacles are still used
today to collect and remove waste from these environments. It is
common to provide removable and disposable plastic bags and liners
in the trash, waste and garbage cans to facilitate removal and
transfer of the waste to garbage cans and dumpsters. In order to
recycle the waste, in particular waste to be recycled into food
grade products (e.g. paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls), it is
desirable to treat the waste prior to and/or during the collection,
transport, storage, and recycling stages. In particular it is
desirable to shred the waste to reduce its volume, and disinfect
and remove water or liquid from the waste to prevent deterioration
of the waste (e.g. breaking down of the waste chemically or
biologically) to maintain the high quality of the material to be
recycled from the waste, particularly waste to be recycled into
food contact or grade recycled products.
[0010] Further, it is desirable to collect the waste immediately
after use by the individual, user, customer or consumer, in
particular at the onsite environment again to obtain the material
to be recycled before any deterioration thereof. For example, new
paper products are filled with food or beverage particularly at
stores, cafes, fast food establishments, restaurants, food courts,
convenience stores, offices, commercial locations, and other
numerous environments, and then consumed immediately onsite. Thus,
it is desirable to provide a waste collection device onsite that is
configured to operate onsite and be capable of safely and
effectively interfacing or being used by the individual, user,
customer or consumer, and then treating the waste being discarded
by mechanical treatment (e.g. shredding, rollers, knurling,
splicing, separating, pressure, heat), chemical treatment,
biological treatment, light treatment (e.g. laser, UV, IR),
shredding, disinfecting, removing water, compressing, treating with
air or other gases, and/or heating). In is particularly desirable
to treat the waste immediately upon being discarded into the waste
collection device, however, later additional or timed treatments
can be applied inside the waste collection device again to maintain
the high quality of the stock material to be recycled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A first object of the present invention is to provide an
improved waste collection device.
[0012] A second object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to disinfect waste.
[0013] A third object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to disinfect waste as the waste
is being discarded into the waste collection device.
[0014] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from
the waste.
[0015] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from
the waste while the waste is being contained or stored in the waste
collection device.
[0016] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to disinfect and remove water or
liquid from the waste.
[0017] A seventh object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to simultaneously disinfect and
remove water or liquid from the waste.
[0018] An eighth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to shred the waste.
[0019] A ninth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from
the waste, and then remove the water or liquid from the waste
collection device to a remote location.
[0020] A tenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste collection device configured to remove water or liquid from
the waste and collect the water or liquid to be removed batchwise
from the waste collection device.
[0021] An eleventh object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system, including the waste collection device
according to the present invention.
[0022] A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system, including the waste collection device
according to the present invention using tagged disposable bags, in
particular electronically tagged disposable bags provided with an
RFID tag.
[0023] A thirteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system using tagged, bar coded and/or otherwise
distinctively marked plastic bags or other containers, for example,
composite bags, composite paper bags, composite plastic/paper bags,
non-composite paper bags, plastic containers, plastic boxes, paper
boxes, and cardboard boxes, for collecting targeted waste in
combination with the waste collection device according to the
present invention.
[0024] A fourteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system using electronically tagged, bar coded,
and/or otherwise distinctively marked plastic bags or other
containers in combination with the waste collection device
according to the present invention.
[0025] A fifteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system using tagged, bar coded, and/or otherwise
distinctively marked plastic bags or other containers for
collecting and tracking custody of targeted waste from collection
to recycling in combination with the waste collection device
according to the present invention.
[0026] A sixteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling system for identifying electronically tagged, bar
coded, and/or otherwise distinctively marked plastic bags or other
containers containing targeted waste from a general waste stream or
recyclable waste stream in combination with the waste collection
device according to the present invention.
[0027] A seventeenth object of the present invention is to provide
a waste recycling system for electronically sorting electronically
tagged, bar coded, and/or otherwise distinctively marked plastic
bags or other containers containing a targeted waste from a general
waste stream or recyclable waste stream in combination with the
waste collection device according to the present invention.
[0028] An eighteenth object of the present invention is to provide
a waste recycling collection system, which affords the ability to
track custody of targeted waste from the waste receptacle to the
recycling process to eliminate contamination of the targeted waste
being recycled in combination with the waste collection device
according to the present invention.
[0029] A nineteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
waste recycling method of using electronically tagged plastic bags
or other containers, for example, including at least one RFID,
UHFID or similar wireless electronic tag associated therewith for
collecting targeted waste and tagging the plastic bags or other
containers to allow locating and sorting of the plastic bags, for
example, from the general waste stream at a waste collection center
or from recyclables at a waste recycling center in combination with
the waste collection device according to the present invention.
[0030] A twentieth object of the present invention is to provide an
electronically tagged plastic bag device or other container in
combination with the waste collection device according to the
present invention.
[0031] A twenty first object of the present invention is to provide
an electronically tagged plastic bag device or other container
including at least one RID, UHFID or similar wireless electronic
tag in combination with the waste collection device according to
the present invention.
[0032] A twenty second object of the present invention is to
provide a plastic bag or other container device including an
electronic tag, for example, at least one RFID, UHFID or similar
wireless electronic tag for electronically tagging the plastic bag
or other container device and targeted waste contents thereof in
combination with the waste collection device according to the
present invention.
[0033] A twenty third object of the present invention is to provide
a system of recycling using a tagged, electronically tagged, bar
coded, and/or otherwise distinctively marked plastic bags or other
containers, which can be tracked and monitored for each individual
targeted waste generating location with regards to their specific
volumes and the quality of their specific material in combination
with the waste collection device according to the present
invention.
[0034] A twenty fourth object of the present invention is to
provide a system of recycling using tags to allow segregation of
the containers at a receiving station so that the containers can be
rerouted to a different destination separately, or with a known
percent of untagged containers.
[0035] The present invention is directed to a system, and method,
for recycling waste, in particular targeted waste. Further, the
present invention is directed to a plastic bag or other container
device (i.e. containment device) for use in the system and method
according to the present invention. The other containers, for
example, are composite bags, composite paper bags, composite
plastic bags, composite plastic/paper bags, non-composite paper
bags, plastic boxes, paper boxes, and cardboard boxes and other
suitable containers that can be used to collect targeted waste and
be tagged and/or marked to allow later sorting from other waste or
recyclables.
[0036] The present invention is particularly suitable for recycling
targeted waste. Targeted waste is a particular type of waste
selected to be collected and recycled such as a particular item
and/or similar type of material. For example, used paper cups are
targeted waste to be recycled into food board, which can be made
into new paper cups having a certain percentage of recycled
material content. The targeted waste is collected and/or sorted to
be the same item or material content mainly for facilitating the
recycling process to make recycled stock materials. As another
example, containers made of the same plastic material (e.g.
polyethylene, PET, polyurethane) are targeted waste to be collected
and sorted, and then recycled. The targeted plastic waste is sorted
and collected into the same plastic bags with a unique tag.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, targeted waste is collected in a
recycling receptacle such as a garbage can, trash can, receptacle,
garbage receptacle, trash receptacle, box or container.
Specifically, marked and/or tagged waste receptacles (i.e. marked
and/or tagged for the particular item or material) for collecting
only the targeted waste(s) are set up in the store so that
customers and/or employees of the store selectively dispose of the
targeted waste(s) into the marked waste receptacles. For example, a
recycling receptacle having a sign for "USED PAPER CUPS ONLY" is
printed or displayed on the receptacle to indicate to customers
and/or employees to only place used paper cups only into this
particular marked receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the marked
waste receptacle is fitted with a removable plastic bag or liner to
contain and remove the targeted waste from the marked waste
receptacle when filled or being emptied, for example, at closing of
the store for the day.
[0038] In the paper cup example, it is desirable to shred the used
paper cups at the location of the store, thus affording an
additional sorting step and allowing a higher bulk density for
containment and shipping. For example, a paper shredder is located
at the store for this purpose. The paper shredder can be located in
the customer area (i.e. front of the store) so that customers of
the store throw the used paper cups directly into the paper
shredder fitted with a removable plastic bag or liner.
Alternatively, the paper shredder is located in a non-customer
accessed portion of the store (i.e. back of the store), and
employees periodically empty used paper cups from waste
receptacle(s) into the paper shredder, which shreds the used paper
cups and places them is a plastic bags or liners readied for
transportation from the store.
[0039] The plastic bags or other containers utilized in the system
and method according to the present invention are provided with at
least one tag, preferably and electronic tag such as an RF tag
(e.g. RFID, UHFID), or similar wireless electronic tag to
electronically tag the plastic bags. Alternatively, or in addition,
the bags may be marked with a bar code or other distinctive marking
to identify the bag. For example, each RF device or bar code can be
unique to one bag or other container. The RF tags can be associated
with the plastic bags or other container in a variety of different
ways. For example, the at least one RF tag is loosely placed inside
each plastic bag or other container (e.g. by the manufacturer or
person at the store location), or secured or attached to the
plastic bag or other container by heat bonding, adhesive,
pocketing, plastic tie and/or mechanically to the outside or inside
of the plastic bag or other container. Preferably, the at least one
RF tag is located inside the tagged plastic bags or other container
in an effort to maintain the RF tag or tags within the particular
plastic bag or other container throughout use of the plastic bags
or other container to avoid loss or separation from the plastic bag
or other container.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, multiple RF tags are associated
with each plastic bag or other container to provide redundancy in
the event one or more RF tags are damaged or disabled so that the
plastic bag or container can still be located, for example, in the
general waste stream at a waste collection center. The RF tags are
relatively inexpensive, and thus economically allowing for
redundancy of the RF tags in the applications of the present
invention(s).
[0041] The plastic bags or other containers containing the targeted
waste can be selectively picked up and collected from multiple
stores, however, the costs may prohibitive such selective transport
of this waste. A less costly alternative involves collecting the
targeted waste as part of the general waste stream collection
process or as part of another recycling collection process. For
example, it is desirable that the tagged plastic bags or other
containers containing the targeted waste are co-mingled along with
the other store waste, and then transported together as a general
waste stream to a waste collection center. Alternatively, the
plastic bags or other container containing the targeted waste can
be co-mingled with recyclables (i.e. other bulk materials collected
for recycling), and sent to a recycling center.
[0042] Electronic detectors for the RF tags are provided at the
processing centers to locate the electronically tagged plastic bags
or other containers containing the targeted waste. For example, the
electronic detectors could be located on garbage trucks, unloading
docks, sorting fields or areas, conveyors, chutes, or other
suitable location or locations at a waste processing center.
[0043] The tagged plastic bags or other containers according to the
present invention are sorted by manual or automated procedure, and
collected together at the processing center. These plastic bags or
other containers are aggregated (e.g. baled or palletized) and then
transported to a plant for recycling. For example, the shredded
cups are transported to a paper mill where they are broken down
into their constituent parts, and the fiber is reprocessed into
pulp suitable for manufacturing into products with direct food
contact. At this point the resultant pulp can either be sold or
made into paper or paperboard. If the pulp is made into food board,
one possible application is making paper cups.
[0044] The present invention is also directed to a waste collection
device. The waste collection device is preferably a stand alone
waste collection device. The waste collection device is preferably
configured to be a self-contained unit, and collect waste onsite,
for example, at a store, retail, office and/or commercial
environments or locations.
[0045] The waste collection device according to the present
invention is configured to treat the waste, in particular treat the
waste when being discarded into and/or stored in the waste
collection device. In preferred embodiments, the waste collection
device can treat the waste by shredding, disinfecting, removing
water or liquid as the waste to maintain the quality of the stock
material of the waste as it is being inserted and/or stored in the
waste collection device. In a more preferred embodiment, the waste
is treated in multiple steps or multiple processes, again to
maintain the quality of the stock material of the waste for
recycling purposes.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the waste collection device
according to the present invention includes a collection vessel.
The collection vessel, for example, can include a collection vessel
top portion supported by a collection vessel housing. A shredder
mechanism can be located between the collection vessel top portion
and the collection vessel housing. Alternatively, the shredder
mechanism can be located inside the collection vessel top portion
and/or the collection vessel housing. The collection vessel housing
can be provided with an access door (e.g. front door) for providing
access to the inside of the collection vessel housing.
[0047] A collection vessel lower portion is located below the
collection vessel housing. In a preferred embodiment, the
collection vessel lower portion contains a collection pan, sump
pump, drain and/or siphon to collect and eliminate the water or
liquid from the waste collection device.
[0048] A waste collection bag is removable provided in the
collection vessel housing. An upper end of the waste collection bag
is maintained opened by the collection vessel top portion and/or
collection vessel housing when installed in the collection vessel
housing to allow shredded waste to fall via gravity into the
collection bag during operation of the waste collection device.
[0049] The waste collection bag is preferably constructed (e.g.
perforated) to allow water or liquid to drain from the waste
collection bag when installed inside the collection vessel housing.
For example, a lower portion of the waste collection bag is
provided with an opening(s) and/or drain(s). A preferred embodiment
of the collection bag is a disposable plastic bag having a lower
portion perforated with multiple holes (e.g. pattern design or
matrix arrangement of drain holes). The liquid or water drains from
the waste collection bag as waste is being shredded into the waste
collection bag by the shredder mechanism. The liquid or water
continues to drain form the shredded waste contained and stored in
the waste collection bag with time due to the effects of
gravity.
[0050] When the waste collection bag is filled, the waste
collection bag is removed from the waste collection device. For
example, a front door on the collection vessel housing is opened,
and then the filled waste collection bag is removed therefrom. In a
preferred embodiment, a transport bag is fitted around (i.e. nested
outside) the waste collection bag just prior to removal of the
waste collection bag from the collection vessel housing. The
transport bag is preferably a non-perforated bag configured to
contain and seal the filled waste collection bag, and prevent
leaking of the waste collection bag during removal from the
collection vessel housing and subsequent transport and storage
thereof.
[0051] The waste collection bag and/or the transport bag can be
fitted with and RFID tag to carry out the waste recycling processes
according to the present invention. Preferably, the RFID tag is
provided in the transport bag to avoid contact with any liquid or
water. Further, preferably the waste collection bag and/or
transport bag are coated or impregnated with a biocide (e.g.
liquid, powder, coating), which is activated in the presence of
liquid or water or water vapor. Alternatively, biocide can be
sprayed or dispersed into or onto the shredded material.
[0052] The collection bag upper portion is preferably provided with
an access door through which waste can be inserted. For safety
purposes, the access door is preferably an automated door having a
proximity sensor to "sense" the presence of a hand as it approaches
the opening to open the automated door. The shredder mechanism
located below the automated door is provided with an interlock so
that the shredder mechanism will not operate when the automated
door is open, and will lock the automated door closed during
operation of the shredder mechanism. The interlock can also include
one or more proximity sensors so that the shredder mechanism will
not operate if an individual or user is within a predetermined
distance of the waste collection device (e.g. within several feet
of the waste collection device). This provides interlock
redundancy, and an additional level of safety against injury to the
individual or user of the waste collection device.
[0053] In the preferred configuration, there is both a mechanical
interlock(s) and an electronic interlock(s). The top of the
container is configured so that when the access door is opened,
there is a false bottom (e.g. sliding or rotating door(s)) so that
it is impossible to put a user's hand, fingers or foreign objects
(e.g. sticks, metal objects) into the collection vessel shredder
blades or mechanism. When the door is closed, the waste falls or
slides from the false bottom into the vessel, and the electronic
interlock(s) start the shredding mechanism.
[0054] The waste collection device is preferably configured to
disinfect the waste, in particular disinfect the waste as it is
being inserted into the waste collection device and/or when the
waste is being stored inside the waste collection device. For
example, the waste collection device is provided with a spray
device for disbursing a liquid or powdered disinfectant onto the
shredded waste. The spray device is preferably located inside the
waste collection device, and configured to spray the shredded waste
falling out of the shredder mechanism. Alternatively, or in
addition, the spray device disburses disinfectant onto the waste
sitting in the waste collection bag. For example, the waste stream
is sprayed when exiting the shredder mechanism, and again sprayed
at a later time when sitting in the waste storage bag. A time
sequenced or programmed sequence of spraying can be configured to
ensure that the waste is adequately disinfected while sitting in
the waste storage bag. In operation, a waste storage bag can be
replaced in minutes, hours, or even days depending on the amount of
use of the particular waste collection device. Thus, timed or
programmed re-treatment of the waste may be necessary to prevent
deterioration of the waste stock material to allow later recycling
thereof.
[0055] Disinfecting of the waste can also be accomplished by using
ultra violet (UV) light, microwaving, refrigeration, freezing
and/or irradiation, for example, from electronic devices located
inside the waste collection device. This disinfecting preferably
occurs inside the waste collection device while the waste is being
processed and/or stored, however, it can also occur upstream or
downstream relative to the waste collection device.
[0056] A preferred embodiment of the waste collection device is
configured to collect the liquid or water draining from the waste
collection bag contained in the collection vessel housing. In one
embodiment, the collection container is configured to collect the
liquid or water draining from the waste collection bag (e.g.
removable containment vessel, flexible collection bag, collection
tray or container positioned inside the collection vessel housing
and positioned beneath the draining waste collection bag). In
another embodiment, a collection pan having a sump pump is
positioned inside the collection vessel housing beneath the
draining waste collection bag. The sump pump is provided with a pan
level sensor so that the sump pump is operated when the pan is
filled. The sump pump can pump the waste liquid or water to a
collection container located inside or outside the waste collection
device, or via a conduit or pipe can pump the waste liquid or water
to a remote located (e.g. floor drain located remote from the waste
collection device, sewer). In a further embodiment, a sump is
provided in the collection vessel, and is filled with a desiccant
or other absorption device to collect and store the waste liquid or
water. The sump can be emptied manually, or it can be equipped with
a sump pump.
[0057] The collection vessel of the waste collection device can be
configured to be mobile. For example, a set of swivel wheels can be
fitted to the bottom of the collection vessel.
[0058] In use, for example, the waste collection device is
co-located with a traditional refuse or waste container. As the
customer approaches he or she discards any cover, straw, stir
stick, sleeve, etc. in the waste container. As the customer's hand
approaches the collection vessel, the powered automated door opens
and the customer drops the recyclable product or waste into the
opening. When the customer has retreated a distance of 2 to 4 feet
from the collection vessel, the automated door closes, and sensors
in the collection vessel head sense the presence of a cup and
proceed to initiate the shredding process. This process begins by
locking the powered automated door closed, and is interlocked
electrically and mechanically. Once the interlocks have been
proven, the shredder mechanism activates feeding the cup through
the shredder mechanism producing preferably a cross-cut waste
material. As the waste material is exiting the shredder, a fine
mist of water based or dry disinfectant/biocide is sprayed onto the
waste material, and the waste material then drops into the
collection bag.
[0059] Once the waste material is in the collection bag, the waste
liquid or water drains by gravity through the bags perforated
holes, and into the drainage sump. When the collection bag is full
as signaled by an indicator (e.g. light or sound), the attendant
places the transport bag around the waste collection bag, and
removes the combined bags from the collection vessel for disposal
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the recycling of
targeted waste from a store into new products having recycled
content.
[0061] FIG. 2 is side elevational view of a new unopened
electronically tagged plastic bag or other container device
according to the present invention having at least one RF tag.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a used filled plastic
bag or other containment device according to the present invention
having at least one RF tag containing targeted waste readied for
transportation to a processing plant.
[0063] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the waste collection device according to the present invention
showing the automated door in an open position.
[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the waste collection device
shown in FIG. 4, however, with the automated door is a close
position.
[0065] FIG. 6 is a front diagrammatic view of the waste collection
device shown in
[0066] FIG. 4.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic elevational view of the waste
collection bag device shown in FIG. 4.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic broken away front diagrammatic
elevational view of the sliding doors of the collection vessel
upper portion.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the
collection vessel.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a front diagrammatic elevational view of the
waste collection bag and transport bag.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the waste
collection bag showing the perforations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0072] A schematic diagram of the waste recycling system 10
according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
[0073] The waste recycling system begins at a store location 12.
Preferably the store location 12 is just one of a series of stores
of similar or dissimilar ownership that have agreed to cooperate
with the desired recycling program to obtain the quantity of used
waste material required for commercial recycling.
[0074] It is important to note that the preferred embodiments
described in this section are directed towards particular types or
otherwise targeted waste, for example, used paper cups and used
plastic beverage containers. However, the system, method and device
according to the present invention can have many applications for
recycling different types of waste (e.g. paper plates, foam plates,
plastic utensils, paper bags, paper wrappers, foam containers) and
maintaining separation and custody of the waste from the point of
collection to the recycling process or processing plant to avoid
contamination of the particular waste material.
[0075] The initial selective collection of the targeted waste is a
preferred initial step to avoid any mixing of the targeted waste
with other general waste to avoid any contamination of the targeted
waste. Further, providing and maintaining a hygienic environment
from start to finish by using new plastic bags or other containers,
which are substantially sanitary due to the method of
manufacturing, maintains the quality of the targeted waste material
through the collection, transportation, sorting and recycling
steps. Typically, the food or beverage contamination of the used
containers, for example paper cups, is not a factor effecting the
final quality and sanitary standards of the recycled pulp or other
finished product, since this type of contamination is effectively
removed in the recycling process, for example, when making paper
stock with recycled content from the waste paper material from the
used paper cups.
[0076] In the preferred embodiment, the used paper cups are
collected in marked recycling receptacles 14 (e.g. garbage can,
trash can, garbage receptacle, trash receptacle, cardboard box,
cardboard container, paper container, paper box, composite
container, composite box, specialized container). The receptacles
14 are marked so as to identify the particular type or targeted
waste to be discarded into the marked waste receptacle 14. For
example, the marked recycling receptacle 14 can be marked "USED
PAPER CUPS ONLY" by a sign, label, printing, or other suitable
display manner. Another receptacle can be marked "SPOONS, FORKS AND
KNIFES" for plastic or wooden utensils.
[0077] As an option or improvement, the marked waste receptacles 14
in the store are paper shredders and/or compactors configured to
shred and/or compact the used paper cups. The paper shredder and/or
compactor can be located in the front portion of the store allowing
customer access, or can be located in a back portion of the store
to only allow employee access and operation of the shredder and/or
compactor. The paper shredder and/or compactor use plastic bags or
liners (e.g. heavier gauge plastic bags) including at least one RF
tag associated therewith for electronically tagging the plastic bag
or liner.
[0078] The marked recycling receptacles 14 are located inside the
store 12 where customers have access to these marked recycling
receptacles 14 so that customers discard their used paper cups or
plastic beverage containers into the marked recycling receptacles
14 when finished consuming their beverages. The marked recycling
receptacles 14 may each be fitted with a plastic bag 16 having at
least one RF tag 18 associated therewith.
[0079] Alternatively, employees of the store 12 can sort through
regular waste receptacles 20 (i.e. unmarked waste receptacles) in
the store 12 having standard plastic bags 22 (i.e. having no RF
tags), to selectively remove and sort the used paper cups or
plastic beverage containers from the other general store waste. The
sorted used paper cups or beverage containers are then collected in
plastic bags 16 each having at least one RF tag 18 associated
therewith. However, this method of sorting the used paper cups or
plastic beverage containers from the other general store waste is
more labor intensive and expensive. Further, the targeted waste can
be contaminated from the other general store waste materials, and
is less desirable from initially separating the targeted waste into
the marked waste receptacles 14.
[0080] The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 are removed from
the marked recycling receptacles 14, and then collected with the
regular plastic bags 22 containing general store waste from the
store 12. Both the tagged plastic bags 16 and regular plastic bags
20 are thrown into a dumpster 24 together to then enter the general
waste stream 26. Alternatively, a garbage truck picks up the
plastic bags 16, 20 together directly from the store 12. The
electronically tagged plastic bags 16 containing the targeted store
waste and the regular plastic bags 20 containing the general store
waste are co-mingled together in the dumpster 24 or garbage truck,
and are transported together as a general waste stream 26 to a
waste collection center 28. Alternatively the electronically tagged
plastic bags 16 or other containers are kept segregated from the
regular plastic bags 20 containing the general store waste and are
co-mingled with other materials (e.g. cardboard) that is currently
being recycled by the individual store.
[0081] In another embodiment, the receptacle 14 itself is made to
be recycled along with the targeted waste contents contained
therein to directly serve as a waste "container" according to the
present invention. For example, the receptacle 14 can be a paper or
cardboard box that is electronically tagged with at least one RF
tag associated therewith. Alternatively, the filled receptacle 14
is placed in a plastic bag 16 electronically tagged with at least
one RF tag associated therewith. The receptacle 14 and targeted
waste contents contained therein are discarded into the dumpster 24
or garbage truck as a unit. This particular receptacle 14 may or
may not have a plastic bag or linear depending on the particular
application. In any event, it is desirable that such a receptacle
remains intact when co-mingled with the waste stream and then later
be sorted out, for example, at a waste collection center.
[0082] The waste collection center 28 includes one or more RF
sensors 30 for electronically detecting the electronically tagged
plastic bags 16 or containers containing the targeted store waste.
An RF sensor 30 can be located near or adjacent a location where
the dumpsters 24 or garbage trucks unload the general waste stream
26, for example, onto a sorting floor of the waste collection
center 28. Unloading and/or sorting equipment such as lifts or
trucks can be fitted with RF sensors 30 to locate the
electronically tagged plastic bags 16, containing the targeted
store waste, being moved or sorted on the sorting floor.
Alternatively, the general waste stream 26 is loaded onto a sorting
conveyor 32 fitted with one or more RF sensors 30 located along the
sorting conveyor 32. The sorting conveyor 32 can be fitted with a
mechanism to "kick out" the electronically tagged plastic bags 16
from the sorting conveyor 32 onto a chute 34 (or another conveyor)
to sort out and collect the electronically tagged plastic bags
16.
[0083] The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 containing the
targeted store waste are collected (e.g. placed on pallets) for
transportation as a targeted waste stream 36 to a recycling plant
38 such as a paper mill, plastic pellet manufacturing plant, or
other recycling facility. For recycling paper cups, the targeted
store waste is shipped to a paper mill for recycling into new paper
stock having recycled material content. Once at the paper mill each
individual bag is automatically weighed and a generator's
attribution established. The targeted waste quantity and quality
along with collection and transportation data is recorded and used
for quality control purposes.
[0084] Alternatively, or in addition, the store 12 can be provided
with a separate dumpster 42 for collecting a recyclable waste 44,
for example, cardboard waste. The electronically tagged plastic
bags 16 can also be collected in the dumpster 42, and co-mingled
with the recyclable waste 44. The recyclable waste stream 46 is
transported to a waste recycling center 48, at which the
electronically tagged plastic bags 16 are sorted from the
recyclable waste 44.
[0085] The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 can be provided
with a single RF tag 18, or preferably multiple RF tags 18 to
provided operational redundancy in the event one or more of the RF
tags are separated from the plastic bags 16, or damaged. The RF
tags 18 are preferably adhesively secured to the inside of the
plastic bags 16 during manufacturing of the plastic bags 16. A
targeted waste stream 36 is transported from the waste recycling
center 48 to the recycling plant 38 for recycling into new products
having recycled content.
[0086] The electronically tagged plastic bags 16 according to the
present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 2, a newly manufactured unopened and unused
flat plastic bag 16 is shown. The RF tag 18 is located inside the
plastic bag 16 preferably near or at the bottom thereof. A heat
welded seam 19 defines the bottom of the plastic bag 16. As shown
in FIG. 3, the plastic bag 16 is filled with targeted waste 17
(e.g. shredded paper cups or plastic bottles), however, the RF tag
18 remains adhered and attached to the inside surface of the
plastic bag 16 to prevent separation from the plastic bag 16. A
plastic tie 21 can be used to close an upper portion of the plastic
bag 16, or the upper end of the plastic bag 16 can be tied into a
knot to close same.
[0088] The waste recycling method according to the present
invention includes the step of collecting targeted waste in
electronically tagged plastic bags. This method maintains the
targeted waste separate from other waste to maintain the custody of
the targeted waste.
[0089] Preferably, the target waste is collected immediately after
use, for example, after a store customer consumes his or her
beverage and then discards the used container. Collecting the
targeted waste in marked waste receptacles allows for the targeted
waste to be immediately sorted from other waste, and greatly
reduces the risk of contamination by other store waste. Optionally,
it is desirable to shred, puncture, perforate, cut, drill, machine
or other compromise the wall(s) of the beverage containers (e.g.
used paper cups) at the store location (e.g. inside waste
collection device) to allow the water or liquid to drain from the
beverage containers to facilitate the recycling thereof
Waste Collection Device
[0090] A preferred embodiment of a stand alone type waste
collection device 110 according to the present invention is shown
in FIGS. 4-11.
[0091] The waste collection device 110 includes a collection vessel
upper portion 112, a collection vessel shredder mechanism 114, a
collection vessel housing 116, and a collection vessel lower
portion 118.
[0092] The collection vessel housing 116 sits on top of and is
supported by the collection vessel lower portion 118. The combined
collection vessel upper portion 112 and collection vessel shredder
mechanism 114 sits on top of, and are supported by the collection
vessel housing 116. The subunits (i.e. collection vessel upper
portion 112, collection vessel shredder mechanism 114, collection
vessel housing 116, and collection vessel lower portion 118) of the
waste collection device 110 can be separate subassemblies connected
together (e.g. removably connected together), or can be assembled
to become a single assembled unit.
[0093] The collection vessel housing 116 is provided with a door
120 having a handle 122 to allow access to the inside of the
collection vessel housing 116. A waste collection bag 124 is
provided inside the collection vessel housing 116. The waste
collection bag 124 is opened at its top and closed at its bottom,
however, a lower portion of the waste collection bag 124 is
provided with a plurality of perforations 125 (FIGS. 10 and 11).
The waste collection bag 124 is situated inside the collection
vessel housing 116 so that the upper open end thereof is maintained
opened to receive shredded waste from the collection vessel
shredder mechanism 114 via gravity. For example, the collection
vessel upper portion 112 and collection vessel shredder portion 114
can be assembled together and removable as a subunit from the upper
end of the collection vessel housing 116. The upper end of the
waste collection bag 124 is folded over the upper edge of the
collection vessel housing 116 to support and hold open the waste
collection bag 124. Alternatively, a frame (e.g. sliding frame or
other mechanical support) can be fitted inside the collection
vessel housing 116 to support and maintain the upper end of the
waste collection bag 124 opened.
[0094] The collection vessel lower portion 118 is fitted with four
(4) wheels 126 at the bottom corners thereof to render the waste
collection device 110 mobile. For example, the wheels 126 are
coaster wheels configured to swivel. This allows the waste
collection device 10 to be moved around the store, retail, office,
and/or commercial location
[0095] The upper end of the collection vessel upper portion 112 is
provided with an opening 128 having an automated door 130
configured to automatically open and close the opening 128. The
waste is thrown into the opening 128 by an individual or user.
[0096] A detailed diagrammatic view of the waste collection device
110 is shown in FIG. 7.
[0097] The collection vessel upper portion 112 is shown with the
opening 128 having an automated door 130. The automated door 130 is
driven by an electric motor/drive 132, and controlled by electronic
control unit 134 having hand proximity sensors 135 and body
proximity sensors 136. The hand proximity sensors 135 are provided
around the opening 128 for operating the automated door 130, and
body proximity sensors 136 are provided around the front and sides
of the waste collection device 110 to sense the body of an
individual or user proximate to the front and sides of the waste
collection device 110. The body proximity sensors are used in
combination with an interlock arrangement (e.g. electronic and/or
mechanical) to prevent the collection vessel shredder mechanism 114
to operate when an individual or user is proximate or near the
waste collection device 110 (e.g. no shredding operation if
individual or user is within 2 to 3 feet of waste collection device
110).
[0098] The collection vessel upper portion 112 is configured to
collect and direct the waste towards the collection vessel shredder
portion 114. For example, the collection vessel upper portion 112
is provided with a collection bin 137 having inner inclined wall
portions 138 located under the automated door 130 to direct the
waste by gravity to a center trough 140 located above the
collection vessel shredder mechanism 114.
[0099] A pair of sliding doors 141, 141 are positioned above a pair
of rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 to provide a false bottom when
a user is throwing waste into the collection vessel upper portion
112 through an opened automated door 130. A detailed view of the
sliding doors 141, 141 is shown in FIG. 8. A pair of electronic
stepping motors 141a, 141a provided with friction driving wheels
141b, 141b are controlled by electronic control unit 134, or other
separate control unit, to open and close the sliding doors 141,
141. Alternatively, the friction driving wheels 141b, 141b can be
replaced with rotary gears to cooperate with a rack formed into or
attached to the sliding doors 141, 141 to drive the sliding doors
141, 141 opened and closed.
[0100] Preferably, the sliding doors 141, 141 are programmed to
remain closed when the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 are
operating to provide a fail safe against personal injury to the
user. For example, when a user approaches the waste collection
device 110, the automated door 130 opens while the sliding doors
141, 141 remain closed.
[0101] After the user retreats from the waste collection device 110
a predetermined distance, the automated door 130 is closed, then
the rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 are operated, and then the
sliding doors 141, 141 are opened to drop the waste located in the
collection bin 137 into the operating rotary shredding cutters 142,
142. After the waste passes through the rotary shredding cutters
142, 142, then the operation of the rotary shredding cutters 142,
142 is stopped, and then the sliding doors 141, 141 are closed and
readied for the next user to approach the waste collection device
110. It is most preferred that the sliding doors 141, 141 must be
closed first before the automated door 130 can then be opened, and
that the automated door 130 must be completely closed before the
rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 can be operated.
[0102] The collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 includes the
pair of rotary shredding cutters 142, 142 (e.g. cross-cut rotary
shredding cutters) located immediately beneath the center trough
140 of the collection vessel upper portion 112. The rotary
shredding cutters 142, 142 are connected to an electronic
drive/motor 144. The waste is thrown into the collection bin 137 by
the user. The waste then moves downwardly via gravity and the
rotating rotary shredding cutters 142, 142, which also draw the
waste downwardly by and between the rotary shredding cutters 142,
142.
[0103] A fan 143 is provided within the collection vessel upper
portion 112. The fan 143 is configured to draw in air from outside
the waste collection device 10, and circulate the air within a
cavity 143a of the collection vessel upper portion. The pressurized
air inside the cavity 143 then vents out vent holes 143b, for
example, provided in the walls of the collection bin 37. The
pressurized air entering inside the collection bin 37 vents air
downwardly, when the automated door 120 is closed, through the
shredding cutters 142, 142 down into the collection vessel housing
116. The collection vessel housing 116 is provided with vent holes
143c to vent the pressurized air inside the collection vessel
housing outside of the waste collection device 110. The vent holes
143c can be fitted with air filters 143d (e.g. activated charcoal
filters, dust filters, filters provided with neutralizer,
sanitizer, deodorizer, scent or other chemicals) to clean or purify
the air exiting the waste collection device 110. The pressurized
air circulated in this manner removes moisture and/or vapors
located or trapped inside the waste collection device 110, in
particular removes moisture or vapors from the shredding cutters
142, 142, electronics, and other components that could be damaged
by such moisture or vapors.
[0104] The collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 is provided
with a pair of reservoirs 146, 146 (e.g. disposable and removable
containers) fitted with electronic spraying devices 148, 148
controlled by electronic control unit 134, or other separate
electronic controls. For example, the reservoirs 146, 146 are
filled with liquid or powder disinfectant or biocide that is
sprayed onto the shredded waste exiting the collection vessel
shredder mechanism 114 and entering into the upper opening of the
waste collection bag 124.
[0105] The shredded waste filling the waste collection bag 124 may
include waste water or liquid from used containers (e.g. coffee
from coffee cup, beverage from beverage cup, liquid from food).
This waste water or liquid moves downward by gravity inside the
waste collection bag 124, and drains out of the perforations 125
(FIGS. 7, 10 and 11) in the lower portion of the waste collection
bag 124. This waste liquid or water drips down into the collection
vessel lower portion 118, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 9, the collection vessel lower portion 118
includes a tray portion 150 having four (4) triangular-shaped
inclined wall portions 152 for directing the waste liquid or water
to a center through hole 154, which drains into a collection
reservoir 156. An electronic sump pump 158 (FIG. 7) is provided in
the collection reservoir 156 for pumping the collected waste water
or liquid through a pipe or conduit 160 to a remote location (e.g.
sewer or floor drain).
[0107] When the waste collection bag 124 is filled, a sensor 164
(FIG. 7) indicates this condition by a visual display and/or alarm.
Then, the combined collection vessel upper portion 112 and
collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 are lifted from the top of
the collection vessel housing 116. The collection vessel housing
116 is opened, and a non-perforated waste transport bag 162 (FIG.
10) is fitted around the waste collection bag 124 (i.e. the waste
collection bag 124 is nested within waste transport bag 162).
Operation
[0108] The waste collection device 110, for example, is provided in
the front portion of a store or retail location. A user approaches
the waste collection device to dispose of waste (e.g. used paper
coffee or beverage cup). The automated door 130 opens when the hand
proximity sensors 135 sense the user's hand in close proximity to
the opening 128 of the collection vessel upper portion 112. The
user then drops his or her cup into the collection bin 137 of the
collection vessel upper portion 112. The automated door 130 closes
when the user removes his or her hand in proximity to the automated
door 130.
[0109] When the user retreats, for example, two (2) to three (3)
feet from the waste collection device 110 out of range of the body
proximity sensors 136, the electronic control unit 134 turns on the
collection vessel shredder mechanism 114 to begin shredding
operation of the used cup. The used cup is drawn downwardly by
gravity and the rotating rotary shredding cutters 142, 142, and
then the used cup is shredded into numerous shredded pieces of
waste. The shredded waste pieces are sprayed with disinfectant or
biocide by the electronic control unit 134 operating the spraying
devices 148. The electronic control unit 134 can be programmed to
control the operational sequence and dwell time of the automated
door 130, the collection vessel shredder mechanism 14, and the
spraying devices 148.
[0110] The shredded waste pieces fall down into the waste
collection bag 124. When the waste collection bag 124 is filled,
the sensor 164 provides a filled bag signal to the electronic
control unit 134, which sends a signal to a light or sound
indicator. The waste liquid or water drains from the waste
collection bag 124 into the collection vessel lower portion 118.
The waste liquid or water is pumped by the electronic sump pump 158
via the conduit 126 to a floor drain.
* * * * *