Patent Publication Number: US-2012029985-A1

Title: System And Method For Managing Recyclable Materials

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/400,473 filed on Jul. 27, 2010 and entitled “Recycling Material Characterization Process and Method Thereof,” which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a system and method for receiving recyclable materials, associating the materials with a specific user, capturing data specific to that user and the materials, and providing reward points to the user based on the materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During the past several years, there has been a tremendous movement to develop “green” technologies and to optimize the use of physical resources. An important component of this movement is recycling. It is well-known that aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, and other materials can be recycled. It is common for refuse companies to pick up recyclable materials from homes and businesses (often placed in separate crates by individuals prior to pick-up). There is a substantial industry involved in the purchase of recyclable materials from refuse companies and the actual recycling of those materials. 
     However, a significant volume of recyclable material still is placed by individuals in normal trash cans. For example, individuals often place aluminum soda cans in a trash can instead of a recycling can. Unless another individual sorts through the contents of that trash can, the aluminum soda can will not be recycled and ultimately will be placed in a landfill, which takes up precious space and results in that aluminum not being reused. There is a tremendous need for greater incentives for individuals to recycle all materials that are recyclable. There is also a tremendous need for companies and facilities to track the amount and type of recycling that is performed by each individual and collections of individuals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for receiving recyclable materials, associating those materials with a specific user, storing information about the materials and user, capturing data specific to that user and the materials, and providing reward points to the user based on the materials. It also is desirable to generate reports about a user&#39;s recycling patterns and history, as well as reports about collections of users (such as employees of a corporation). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary recycling apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates components of an exemplary recycling apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates components of an exemplary recycling apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a computing device and database for use with an exemplary recycling apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates components of an exemplary recycling apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method of associating recycling activity with a user. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary database table. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary map showing locations of recycling apparatuses. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 1 . Recycling apparatus  10  comprises a chassis  12 , which can be constructed of plastic, metal, or any other solid material. Chassis  12  contains an opening  16  through which users can place recyclable materials, as will be described in further detail below. There are dozens of recyclable materials, examples of which are listed in Appendix 1. Opening  16  optionally can be covered by a door  14  that covers opening  16  and can swing or move open to allow the user to place recyclable materials through opening  16 . 
       FIG. 2  shows further aspects of the embodiment. Recycling apparatus  10  includes within it receptacle  20  used to receive and store the recyclable materials. Opening  16  is positioned in relation to receptacle  20  so that the recyclable materials enter or are placed into receptacle  20  during normal operation. Receptacle  20  optionally is placed over weighing mechanism  24 . Weighing mechanism  24  can comprise a scale (such as an electronic or electromechanical scale) to be used to weigh the contents of receptacle  20 , as discussed below. Recycling apparatus  10  further comprises compartment  22 , which can be used to hold electronic components used in operation of recycling apparatus  10 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a logical diagram of exemplary electrical components of the embodiment. The electrical components are shown within compartment  22 , but can be placed in any other location. Recycling apparatus  10  comprises processing unit  30 . Processing unit optionally can comprise a general purpose computer (such as a laptop or netbook computer), a processor chip (such as an Intel Pentium® Dual Core chip), or other programmable logic. Processing unit  30  is coupled to display controller  32 . Display controller  32  is used to control a video display used by the user to interact with recycling apparatus  10 . Display controller  32  is coupled to a display (not shown) that display graphics and text for the user to interact with. Processing unit  30  is coupled to input device  34 . Input device  34  is used to obtain input from a user and can comprise a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchpad, bar code scanner, card reader, or other device. Processing unit  30 , display controller  32 , and input device  34  can be coupled to each other through a bus (such as a PCI bus, PCI Express bus, or USB bus), through a connector (such as a USB, firewire, serial port, parallel port, WiFi, or other connector), or through a switch, router, hub, or network. 
     Recycling apparatus  10  comprises GPS unit  36 . GPS units are well-known in the art and are commonplace in modern smartphones and automobiles. GPS unit  36  can be used by an administrator to keep track of the physical location of recycling apparatus  10 . GPS unit  36  can comprise a GPS SIM Cellular Card. 
     Recycling apparatus  10  further comprises network interface  38 . Network interface  38  enables recycling apparatus  10  to communicate over network  50 . Network  50  can be the Internet or a LAN, WAN, Intranet, wireless, landline, cellular, or other network. Network interface  38  can comprise a WiFi card (such as an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface card), a cellular telephone transceiver or transmitter (such as a 3G, 4G, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, or HSDPA transceiver or transmitter), an Ethernet interface, a UPS SIM Cellular Card, or other network interface. 
       FIG. 4  depicts another aspect of an embodiment. Computing device  60  is coupled to network  50 . Computing device  60  can communicate with recycling apparatus  10  via network  50 . Computing device  60  can be one or more general purpose servers, desktop computers, notebook computers, or any other type of computer capable of performing the functions described herein as to computing device  60 . Computing device  60  contains or is coupled to database  62 . Database  62  can be, for example, a relational database such as an SQL database. Other computing devices, such as computing device  70 , also are coupled to network  50  and optionally can communicate with recycling apparatus  10  and/or computing device  60 . For example, an administrator could use computing device  70  to perform management operations (such as by a Web interface or management software) to control or interact with computing device  60  or recycling apparatus  10 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the user&#39;s mobile device can be used to communicate with computing device  60 . The mobile device can run an application that receives data, such as weight deposited or reward point value, from recycling apparatus  10 . The mobile device can then use its wireless capability to transmit the data to computing device  60  through any number of mechanisms available to a mobile device, such as email, SMS text message, or direct API communication. 
     In an alternative embodiment, processing unit  30  can be located outside of recycling apparatus  10  in a different unit. In this alternative embodiment, recycling apparatus  10  can include an RF module such as the XBee 802.15.4 OEM RF module, which will enable recycling apparatus  10  to communicate with a similar RF module located elsewhere that is coupled to processing unit  30 . This approach would reduce the cost of manufacturing and maintaining each recycling apparatus  10  and would enable multiple recycling apparatuses to share a single processing unit  30 . 
     Another alternative embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 . Scale  80  is coupled to control unit  82 . Scale  80  can be used to weigh various recyclable materials, such as bales of cardboard at a distribution center or large retail store. Control unit  82  can include one or more of the electrical components previously described with respect to  FIG. 3 : processing unit  30 , display controller  32 , input device  34 , GPS unit  36 , and network interface  38 . The functionality of those components is the same as described previously with respect to  FIG. 3 . Scale  80  is coupled to network  50 . As described below, control unit  82  can be used to associate recyclable materials with a particular user and to provide reward points to that user. 
       FIG. 6  describes an embodiment of a method of using recycling apparatus  10  or control unit  82 . Computing device  60  associates User X with unique identifier  130  ( 110 ). Unique identifier  130  can comprise characters assigned to User X by computing device  60  or it can comprise a preexisting identifier for User X, such as a mobile phone number or email address. Thereafter, User X can utilize recycling apparatus  10  or control unit  82 . User X inputs his or her unique identifier into recycling apparatus  10  or control unit  82  ( 112 ). User X deposits recyclable material into recycling apparatus  10  or onto scale  80  ( 114 ). Recycling apparatus  10  or control unit  82  determines the weight  132  of the recyclable material deposited in step  114  using scale  24  ( 116 ). Recycling apparatus  10  or control unit  82  transmits unique identifier  130  and weight  132  to computing device  60  ( 118 ). Computing device  60  stores weight  132  in database  62  and associates weight  132  with unique identifier  130  ( 120 ). Computing device  60  assigns reward points  134  to User X based on weight  132  and updates the record of reward points for User X in database  62  ( 122 ). 
     The reward points are determined based upon a predetermined formula, such as 5 points for each pound of recyclable material placed in recycling apparatus  10 , or 5 points for each act of depositing recyclable material into recycling apparatus  10 . The administrator of computing device  60  can create any number of programs for redeeming the reward points. For example, the administrator can set thresholds for different prizes, such a $5 gift card for each 100 reward points obtained. Computing device  60  can transmit prizes to users automatically when the thresholds are reached, such as by emailing a gift certificate to a user. An administrator also can establish an “open loop” reward system (such as a debit card) to which a user&#39;s reward points (or equivalent value) are added either periodically (e.g., at the end of each week) or at the occurrence of an event (e.g., when the user accumulates 100 reward points). An administrator also can establish a “closed loop” reward system (such as a gift card) to which a user&#39;s reward points (or equivalent value) are added only one time; thereafter, once the user consumes all of the reward points, the gift card or other closed loop mechanism will have no value and will be discarded by the user. 
       FIG. 7  depicts exemplary table  200  maintained by database  62 . Table  200  includes fields for user name, unique identifier  130 , email address, total rewards, and date of last use. Other fields not depicted that can be maintained by database  62 , either in Table  200  or elsewhere, include company name, facility address, collection address, company contact information, user contact information, company tax information, user tax information, company SIC code, user SIC code, company billing information, user password, GPS coordinates for recycling apparatus  10 , identifier for recycling apparatus  10 , communications box number, target volume level per month or year, cumulative weight collected, customer diversion performance, material condition (loose or baled), waste hauler information, recycling hauler or purchaser information, collection usage for recycling apparatus  10 , total weight collected over a given time period, total point values paid to all users or per user, type of redemptions made in past, average weight collected, type of material collected, carbon offset credit points associated with recyclable materials collected, percentage of energy savings, reduction of green house gases emissions in metric tons, carbon footprint diversion in metric tons, landfill diversion in pounds, water energy, status of recycling apparatus (active, inactive), number of reward points to be granted for each unit of each type of recyclable material (e.g., 10 points for every pound of aluminum cans, or 10 points for every pound of any material). These fields are only exemplary. 
     The number and type of reward points granted for each unit of each type of recyclable material deposited into recycling apparatus  10  or scale  80  can vary from customer site to customer site. It would be useful to perform a waste audit at a company site before the reward point system is established. In a waste audit, a refuse company will go through all of the recycling bins at the company site over a set time period (e.g., one week), and will quantify each type of recyclable materials deposited into those bins. The refuse company also will go through all of the trash cans at the company site over the same time period to quantify each type of recyclable materials that were deposited into the trash cans, which would represent a loss of recycling opportunity, and for the company, the loss of potential revenue or disposal cost savings from recycling the materials. Once this waste audit is perform, one can estimate the amount of recycling revenue or disposal cost savings that can be gained at the company site by implementing one of the embodiments per time period (e.g., $10,000 per month). Once that value is determined, one can examine the number of employees at the company site and determine an appropriate value to spend on reward points per unit of time, and one can then set the appropriate number of reward points to be granted for each unit of each type of recyclable material. In this manner, the reward point system can be customized for each company based on its existing recycling habits and potential recycling revenue or disposal cost savings to be achieved. For example, if a give company has a large potential recycling revenue or disposal cost savings to be achieved (because its employees have bad recycling habits), then that company can grant more reward points for a given amount of recyclable material than may be the case at other companies. 
     Computing device  60  also can collect and store information about recycling apparatus  10 , such as remaining battery life (if recycling apparatus  10  is battery-powered), solar power output performance (if recycling apparatus  10  is battery-powered and recharged by a photoelectric solar cells array), signal performance (if recycling apparatus  10  is utilizing a wireless connection to network  50 ), capacity used or capacity remaining, or an indication that the recycling apparatus  10  is overweight (which might be an indication that a user is trying to manipulate the rewards system by putting heavy, non-recyclable material into recycling apparatus  10 , such as a load of bricks). Each recycling apparatus  10  also will have its own identifier. 
     The administrator of computing device  60  and the recycling apparatuses can receive reports from database  62  that reflect the data collected by each recycling apparatus or collection of recycling apparatuses. For example, computing device  60  or database  62  can send an hourly, daily, or monthly report indicating aggregate information (such as total weight collected across an entire facility or company and total number of users who made deposits) and/or information specific to each user (such as weight collected for each user and frequency of deposits for each user). Computing device  60  or database  62  also can send reports to each user containing similar information. Reports can be sent through an email, SMS text message, or a dedicated application (such as an iPhone application). The same data also can be communicated to an administrator or user through a Web interface. 
     Recycling apparatus  10  also can send other data or communications to computing device  60 . For example, recycling apparatus  10  can send an alert to computing device  60  when the total weight detected by scale  24  reaches a certain threshold (e.g., 50 pounds), which can indicate that recycling apparatus  10  is nearing its capacity. Computing device  60 , in turn, can then send a message (such as an email, SMS message, or phone call) to custodial personnel to inform them that recycling apparatus  10  needs to be emptied. Recycling apparatus  10  also can send an alert to computing device  60  if recycling apparatus  10  needs other servicing, such as battery replacement or computer maintenance. 
     As discussed previously, recycling apparatus  10  optionally includes GPS unit  36 . Computing device  60  can run management software that enables an administrator to monitor all recycling apparatuses being used. For example,  FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary map  210  of a physical facility. Map  210  shows the physical location of three recycling apparatuses, labeled A, B, and C. The physical location of each recycling apparatus is known due to the use of GPS unit  36  in each recycling apparatus. Management software optionally can depict additional information about each recycling apparatus, such as time of last use, frequency of use over a given time period, number of different users who have used the recycling apparatus over a given time period, date and time of last service of recycling apparatus by a custodian, weight of current contents of recycling apparatus, and percent of total capacity being used or available. This type of management software features would be particularly useful in large commercial facilities, athletic stadiums, college campuses, and theme parks. In exemplary map  210 , when a recycling apparatus is full, the identifier or icon associated with that recycling apparatus can be displayed in red, with highlighting, or in a blinking manner to indicate to the administrator that the recycling apparatus needs to be emptied. 
     Optionally, a company can use a plurality of recycling apparatuses, each for a dedicated purpose (paper, cans, etc.). This would enable computing device  60  to identify and store data concerning the specific type of materials deposited by each user. This could enable the company to identify trends in the materials used by a user or the company as a whole. For example, it could identify users who recycle an inordinate amount of paper, which would present an opportunity for cost-cutting if management can change the printing habits of those users. 
     Other methods can be utilized to determine the content of material recycled by a given company. For example, one can perform a physical inspection of a sample of material collected in the recycling apparatuses. To determine an accurate generation rates of any business, residential, multi-family, community, special event, or other entity, it is required that all materials listed below be broken down into sub-categories and their corresponding weights and volumes be collected from the source sample. The proper method for determining the weight or volume percentage of each grade is to take a sample load, sort and separate all materials by individual grade, and measure the separated content weight and/or volume by material grade. These numbers will then be used to determine the percentage breakdown of materials by grade from a random source. For example, one can determine the weight of all paper in the sample, then divide that weight by the total weight of the sample and multiply the result by 100 to determine the percentage by weight of the sample that constitutes paper. 
     The data collected using these embodiments also can be used in conjunction with social networking and other social interactions. Each user and company can be assigned a personalized web page that shows the progress of the user or company and compares the data collected against other users, companies, or an aggregation of other users or companies. This web page can show the total weight of aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, or other materials (or all materials without regard to type) that the user or company has recycled as well as the CO2 saved as a result of that recycling (i.e., reduction in carbon footprint). All of this progress can be graded on a “Green Level” scale by number and/or by name (e.g., “John Magagnini has reached a Green Level of 68”). The web page can be hosted on a networked computing device, which can comprise one or more general purpose servers, desktop computers, notebook computers, or any other type of computer capable of hosting a web page. In the alternative, the same information can be displayed using a mobile device application rather than a web page. 
     In addition, the web page or mobile device application can be configured to display tools that link the page to social networking sites such as Facebook® and Twitter®. With a click of the button, a user (or company) can update its status and communicate that new status to all of their friends, followers, colleagues family, and other persons who are part of that user&#39;s social networks. The status update can include data collected using the above embodiments. For example, a post could read, “John Magagnini has reached a Green. Level of 68 and diverted 335 pounds from landfill, and avoided the creation of 0.51 metric tons of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and 350 pounds of CO2. Take the Neptune Rewards Challenge and try to catch John.” In addition, a number of canned statuses could be used, such as “John Magagnini has saved 23 pounds of plastic from reaching our oceans and landfills. Take the Neptune Rewards Challenge and help save the environment.” This application can be used to create competitiveness, rivalries, and a “Social Community” atmosphere among business and users. 
     While the foregoing has been with reference to a particular embodiment of the disclosure, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes in this embodiment may be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims. 
     APPENDIX 1  
     A. Paper
           1 . Old Corrugated Containers     2 . Special Old Corrugated Containers     3 . Wax Board or Dry-Fast Medium     4 . Offshore Corrugated     5 . Office Paper     6 . Newsprint     7 . Mixed Paper     8 . Kraft Board Stock     9 . Aseptic Packaging     10 . Other Paper Stock       

     B. Plastics
           1 . PET Beverage Containers (Non-Deposit)     2 . PET Beverage Containers (Deposit)     3 . HDPE Bottles/Containers     4 . Mix Plastics (#1-7#)     5 . Mixed Rigid Plastics     6 . Plastic Film/Wrap     7 . Plastic Strapping     8 . Polystyrene     9 . Polypropylene     10 . PVC (Polyvinal Chloride)     11 . ABS     12 . Other Plastics (non-recyclable)     13 . Other Plastics (specialty, recyclable)     14 . Carpet (PET)       

     C. Metals
           1 . Aluminum Cans (Non-Deposit)     2 . Aluminum Can (Deposit)     3 . Tin Cans     4 . Other Ferrous     5 . Other Non-Ferrous     6 . Mixed Metals/Other Metals       

     D. Glass
           1 . Green (Non-Deposit)     2 . Amber (Non-Deposit)     3 . Clear (Non-Deposit)     4 . Green (Deposit)     5 . Amber (Deposit)     6 . Clear (Deposit)     7 . Window/Tempered Glass     8 . Other Mixed Glass (unidentifiable)       

     E. Organics
           1 . Food Waste     2 . Yard Trimmings     3 . Biodegradable Bags and Utensils       

     F. Other Organic Materials
           1 . Textiles (Cotton)     2 . Carpet (wool)     3 . Miscellaneous Organics       

     G. Inorganics
           1 . Asphalt Roofing     2 . Asphalt Paving     3 . Gypsum Board     4 . Concrete     5 . Sand/Soil/Rock/Dirt     6 . Ceramics     7 . Miscellaneous Inorganics       

     H. Wood
           1 . Untreated Wood     2 . Treated Wood     3 . Pallets     4 . Stumps       

     I. Batteries
           1 . Lithium     2 . NiCad     3 . Alkaline     4 . Lead Acid       

     J. Electronics
           1 . CRT and Monitors     2 . PC&#39;s     3 . TV&#39;s     4 . Other Electronic Devices       

     K. Other Waste
           1 . Furniture     2 . Appliances     3 . Tires       

     L. HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)
           1 . Pesticides/Herbicides     2 . Paint/Adhesives/Solvents     3 . Household Cleaners     4 . Automotive Products     5 . Other HHW       

     M. Other Material