REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

This invention relates to a refuse collection system and method in which there are provided a plurality of households, each having their own refuse bin, a control centre computer in communication with each of the refuse bins, and a plurality of collection vehicles in communication with the control centre computer. An RFID tag with information regarding the type of refuse is associated with refuse prior to the refuse being placed in the refuse bin. Preferably, the refuse is placed in a dedicated pod with an RFID attached thereto. The bin has an RFID reader that reads the RFID tag, determines what types of refuse are contained within the bin and thereafter transmits the information to the control centre computer. The control centre computer thereafter schedules the delivery of one or more types of refuse from the refuse bins and transmits a collection itinerary to a collection vehicle. Advantageously, third party logistics providers may utilize their backhaul capacity and operate as collection vehicles if desired.

主权项

1. A refuse collection system for a plurality of households, each household having its own dedicated refuse bin located at that household, the refuse collection system comprising the plurality of refuse bins located at the households, a control centre computer operated by a refuse disposal operator in communication with each of the bins in each of the households, and a plurality of collection vehicles also in communication with the control centre computer, in which:
the refuse bins in each of the households each comprise:
an RFID reader unit and a communications module; the RFID reader unit being configured to recognize refuse having an RFID tag associated therewith located in the bin and generate a data message indicative of the type and quantity of refuse in the refuse bin; the communications module being configured to receive the data message from the RFID reader unit and thereafter transmit the data message to the control centre computer operated by the refuse disposal operator; the collection vehicles each having:
a GPS tracking unit associated therewith and a communications module for communications with the control centre computer, the collection vehicles each being configured to periodically transmit their location data to the control centre computer; the control centre computer having:
a communications module configured to receive data messages transmitted by the communications modules in each of the refuse bins; the control centre computer having a scheduling module stored thereon for scheduling a refuse collection of a particular type of refuse from at least one of the refuse bins in it least one of the households based on the data message received from the communications module of the refuse bin, the scheduling module being configured to generate a collection itinerary for a collection vehicle based on the location data received from the collection vehicle and the data messages received from the refuse bins, the control centre computer being configured to transmit the collection itinerary to the collection vehicle.