Patent Publication Number: US-8534483-B1

Title: Decorative sort can recycling system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present applications are related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/509,429 filed Jul. 19, 2011 which applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of storage containers and more specifically relates to a refuse container system entitled Decorative Sort Can Recycling System. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most of the items consumers buy get discarded into the trash when the item is no longer useful. Operation of landfills is expensive and may be detrimental to the environment. As a result, interest in recycling of household trash has steadily increased in recent years. This interest has grown because of increasing problems associated with solid waste removal. Many communities have evolved to recycling as a means for better managing their garbage as landfills in use for many years have reached their capacity; in many cases it is difficult and expensive for communities to locate space for new landfills. An additional benefit of recycling is that recycling saves energy and raw materials which may help preserve the environment for future generations; this fact is known theoretically, however not well practiced. 
     Many households are beginning to recycle articles made of glass, aluminum, other metals, plastic and paper. This requires households to set up a method for separating the materials so the items to be recycled are contained separately from refuse destined for the landfill. It is also desirable that recycled materials be separated from each other in the interest of efficiency. In many cases consumers find it easier to throw away recyclable items since it may not be convenient to store them separate from the trash. If multiple containers are used this may require making multiple trips to set out the recyclables for pickup unless all the containers can somehow be carried in one trip. It may also be expensive to purchase numerous containers, such that many consumers may shy away from the expenditure. All of these deficiencies make it burdensome to keep recyclables separate from each other and from other refuse. This may result in having many households collecting their recyclable materials and disposable materials in the same large container; an undesirable condition. 
     Furthermore, there is currently a disconnect between people&#39;s knowledge base about how consumers need to manage natural resources and the tools they have at their disposal. Many times, even though an individual knows an item is recyclable, they still choose to discard the item in the trash because it easier and more convenient. Individuals have tried to incorporate recycling receptacles into their kitchens, or garages; however other areas still lack an appropriate container for recyclable items. Offices, bedrooms, schools, bathrooms, dormitories, hotel rooms, and the like often do not provide an option to recycle. A need exists for an improved, attractive, affordable, and efficient container with a plurality of removable separate inner containers that members of the household can easily and effectively recycle with, and the justification to do so. The need exists for a tool which is sized appropriately for these smaller spaces (bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, hotel rooms, dorms) and is not cumbersome or unattractive. Solving the size and attractiveness problems will allow homeowners to bring the option to recycle into every room of the house, instead of keeping it in hidden, and often far off, areas in the house or outdoors. The container system needed must be thought of as both a décor item, and a functional tool, in order to fit into our living spaces, and bridge the gap that currently exists between wise resource management and our daily behavior in regards to used items in our homes. 
     The current market offers a few high end, and high priced, generally large, recycling system tools to create a recycling center within the home, though these recycling areas do not currently exist in each room. Currently, recycling areas are located inconveniently away because of the size of receptacles, and the unattractive, non décor related nature of the traditional recycling bin. A smaller, less expensive, and decorative alternative would offer a point of use recycling option to consumers, in each room of the house, and therefore, “catch” many recyclable items that are currently being sent to landfill. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,878,904; D423,168; 4,834,253; 5,390,813; 3,904,218; and D333,369. This prior art is representative of trash cans. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a refuse container system should provide the capability of storing recyclable and disposable refuse separately, and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable, “every room” refuse container system to provide an efficient, reasonably priced, smaller, and attractive alternative to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known trash can art, the present invention provides a novel refuse container system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a solution to the problem of not being able to conveniently and effectively separate recyclable trash from refuse in every room of the house, at the actual moment items are originally discarded, thus avoiding a build up of unnecessary items to be taken to a landfill in our household trash, or the need for a household member to later go through the trash to separate refuse from recyclables. 
     According to research, the two main reasons people don&#39;t recycle are: 1) lack of convenience, and 2) lack of education about recycling. The present invention serves to address both of these problems. The first, lack of convenience, is addressed by the present invention through its every room size compatibility and its efficient function, as well as its affordability and its built in décor responsive design. The line of recycling tools that grows from the use of the system of the present invention can address all levels of the consumer market, low end and higher end, through its use of varied materials and styles for the outer component, and a built in variance of size and number of inner compartments. The present invention addresses convenience by being appropriate in price, size, and design to be used in every room of the house. The second reason people don&#39;t recycle, lack of education about recycling, is addressed in accompanying written material that is part of product identification, marketing, and advertisement. The lack of education is also addressed, through the inherent creation because of the point of use decision that is created by having a recycling tool in every room. The existence of the present invention in every room will necessitate the practice of product checking by each consumer. Consumers will become accustomed to making a determination as to whether each product is landfill material or reuse material, thus experiencing a self-driven recycling education. This repeated, brief moment of consideration is intended to produce an eventual, and overall change in how consumers think of used items. As such, the everyday, every room trashcan may be replaced with an attractive recycling tool. The refuse container system is a décor item suitable for use in recycling such that one may be placed into every room of a residence or other venue, so people no longer have to go to the garage, kitchen, work station, etc. in order to send materials back into use through recycling, instead of throwing them away. The device is designed to be aesthetic, discreet, educational and motivational in nature. 
     A refuse container system is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment, comprising an outer receptacle in the shape of a slightly tapered cylinder. The outer receptacle comprises a top opening (circular in shape) and an inner body comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The body of the outer receptacle comprises a circular bottom and a receptacle-wall about the periphery of the circular bottom; together forming an inner surface. The outer receptacle comprises an inner volume defined by the inner surface of the receptacle-wall. The inner volume is able to receive cylindrical troughs (inserts) with half-moon profiles, the inserts comprising a taper as well as the outer receptacle. The bottom of these inserts each comprise a half moon-shaped lower-wall. This half moon-shaped lower-wall joins a flat-wall and an acuate-wall, these in combination defining a space for storing recyclables therein. The top end of each inner insert comprises of half moons as well, though the contour of the top rim has been adjusted in order to provide a small space between the handle surfaces. This contoured meeting of the inner receptacles along the handles surface is designed to increase ease of use by the user. This feature, referred to as the easy grab contoured handles, increases user ease and maneuverability while using one hand. 
     The flat bottom of the outer receptacle is preferably raised off the floor through existence of a small raised diameter rim employed on the bottom surface. Smooth, slightly rounded edges may be found on the consumer contact points of each liner and along the whole edge of the hand cutout and contoured top surface of the handling surface, all to enhance comfort of use during user manipulation of the two liner components. The preferred dimensions of this particular preferred embodiment are about 11 inches top diameter by about 11 inches high, with a slight inward taper towards the bottom diameter of 10 inches so as to aide in smooth replacement of the liners, and increase the stability of a single liner which must stand alone when user opts to empty just one liner. The outer receptacle of the system can be constructed of a wide variety of materials (woven wicker, metal, wire mesh, wood, paper, seagrass, plastic, paper, ceramic etc.) in order to maintain its function as a décor item. The outer receptacle will vary in both color and material in various embodiments. The system allows for variation in overall size, shape, and number of inner receptacle compartments. Optional eco-friendly liner bags such as compostable and specially fitted freestanding paper bag; or cloth, reusable bags with a specially designed fastener system that keeps bag in place wash after wash may also be used in conjunction with the present invention. 
     In alternate embodiments of the refuse container system, comprising an outer receptacle, the receptacle may be square, or rectangular. In the square embodiments, the outer receptacle may be constructed of many different materials including plastic, wicker, bamboo, wood, metal, ceramic, or it may comprise a cabinet with legs to elevate the refuse container system above the planer surface on which it sits (floor/ground or the like). The outer receptacle, in this embodiment, comprises a top opening and an inner body comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The body of the outer receptacle in this particular embodiment comprises a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, and a fifth wall. The outer receptacle comprises an interior cavity defined by the inner surface. In this embodiment, the outer receptacle may comprise an optional lid for enclosing the interior cavity to visibly hide refuse and potentially to contain odors. 
     In the square and rectangular embodiments, contained within the outer receptacle are two or more nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts (mirroring, or repeating one another). Each interior recycle can insert comprises a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a front sidewall, a rear sidewall, and a lower sidewall which define the parameters of the body of the interior recycle can inserts. Each of the interior recycle can inserts comprises an upper periphery and a lower periphery. The upper periphery of the interior recycle can inserts may comprise a rimmed distance (measured around) greater than the lower periphery such that the interior recycle can inserts have a slight taper inwardly toward the lower periphery. Each of the right sidewall and left sidewall of the interior recycle can inserts preferably comprise cut-out handle slots for lifting the recycle can via the inserts from the refuse container system. Each of the interior recycle can inserts may comprise air holes to provide for ventilation to equalize relative air pressure such that the interior recycle can inserts are easily removable from the outer receptacle (not resistance-held by vacuum.) The two or more nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts are insertable and removably storable within the outer receptacle inside the interior cavity via the top opening. 
     The refuse container system does not comprise a spacer plate for holding the interior recycle can inserts concentrically within the outer receptacle in preferred embodiments. Rather, the two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts fit down into the outer receptacle such that they are flush (or nearly flush) with the top opening of the outer receptacle of the refuse container system, providing a neater profile that occupies less space and is easier to keep clean, cheaper to manufacture, ship, and the like. Each of the two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts are able to be picked up either separately, or in unison, via one hand of a user. The two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts comprising rigid material sufficient to retain its original contour when in a loaded and unloaded condition. Further, the interior recycle can inserts are not rotatably mounted about the outer receptacle. 
     The cut-out handle slots comprise openings suitable, and designed for a hand of a user to comfortably grip the interior recycle can inserts for ease of removal of the interior can inserts from the outer receptacle to be emptied of the trash or recyclables contained therein. 
     The carefully contoured profile of the back to back handle surfaces creates a small space where the inserts meet. This feature, referred to as the easy grab contoured handles, allows for enhanced one-handed maneuverability and manipulation of the inserts by the user. 
     The air holes of the interior recycle can inserts provide ventilation to equalize relative air pressure such that the interior recycle can inserts are easily removable from the outer receptacle. The nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts in combination with the outer receptacle form the refuse container system useful for sorting, storing and discarding refuse. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a refuse container system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, refuse container system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a refuse container system (cylindrical embodiment) in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view illustrating half-moon inserts that are nestable within a cylindrical-shaped outer receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view illustrating the cylindrical-shaped outer receptacle having a rim according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view illustrating two of the half-moon inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view illustrating the half-moon inserts (taper shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2  and  3 B. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating the inserts of an alternate embodiment of the refuse container system of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment of the refuse container system of the present invention (in-use) of  FIGS. 1 and 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the refuse container system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a recycle can device and more particularly to a refuse container system as used to improve the storage and removal of recyclable and disposable refuse. 
     Generally speaking, the refuse container system along with the outer receptacle and two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts provides households with a suitable means for separating their recyclable refuse from their disposable refuse in every room. The invention is preferably comprised of a tapered cylindrical version. Within the device are stored two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts; one interior recycle can insert may be used to store recyclable refuse and the second interior recycle can insert may be used to store disposable refuse (or vice versa). Alternately, they may both be used for trash or both for recyclables. Various embodiments may comprise more than two inserts. Each of the interior recycle can inserts preferably has a tapered wall to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the interior recycle can insert(s) from the outer receptacle (cabinet). Each of the interior recycle can inserts also has comfortable cut-out handles placed within the specifically contoured handle surface, and sit back to back to create a maneuverability enhancing space between the handle surfaces. 
     A further enhancement to the inner recycle can inserts is a series of air holes to equalize the relative air pressure (eliminate vacuum) within the outer receptacle (cabinet) such that the interior recycle can inserts are easily removable from the cylindrical exterior. 
     A further enhancement of the refuse container system is that the outer receptacle may comprise several decorative options, such as dark or light wicker, dark or light wood, chrome, industrial finished metal, brushed nickel finished metal, wire mesh, pattern punched tin or hammer finished metal, plastic in a variety of colors and textures, eco-options such as bamboo or paper, and high-end finishes combining metal and ceramic or all ceramic. Color options are also available including pastel colors, bright colors and neutral colors. Finishes, colors, and materials will change to reflect décor tastes and trends, in order to retain the system&#39;s relevance as a décor item. 
     The “SortCan” recycling system not only allows for decorative variances, but provides for, and encourages the individual consumer&#39;s creativity/preference building. Because the liners can come in many colors and configurations, and the outer receptacles can be made of many different colors, materials and configurations, each consumer can take advantage of the many options, and actually build their own “SortCan” system. For instance, a consumer may choose two different liner colors, and a square wicker outer receptacle. Another consumer may design their “SortCan System” using two, like colored circular liners, and a plastic outer receptacle. Still another may choose three inner compartments, with a rectangular outer receptacle made of metal in an industrial looking finish. Yet another consumer builds a small ceramic, countertop version with just two liners, and matching lids. The possibilities are endless, and the choices can be made by the consumers, in order that each consumer designs the best tool for his or her room, needs, and preferences. In the market place, the “SortCan” display area becomes not only an area to display prebuilt options, but a place where consumers can build and design their own product. 
     Referring now to the drawings by numbers of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-3C , perspective views illustrating refuse container system  100  (specifically cylindrical embodiment, cylindrical design  180 ) in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     A preferred embodiment of refuse container system  100  comprises a substantially cylindrical design  180  (but with a tapered profile). Refuse container system  100  interior recycle can inserts  160  in this particular embodiment comprise a 3-D half-moon profile (cylindrical troughs  190 .) Outer receptacle  110  comprises a cylinder  185 , as shown. Refuse container system  100  interior recycle can inserts  160  comprise cylindrical troughs  190  such as to occupy the interior of cylinder  185 . Cylindrical troughs  190  each comprise exactly one of cut-out handle slots  165 ; and one specifically contoured handle surface  166 . Refuse container system  100  interior recycle can inserts  160  may comprise recycled plastic  169 . Recycled plastic  169  is preferably used for the material such that the present invention ‘practices what it preaches’ to develop loyalty in its users  170 . Other suitably equivalent materials may be used in alternate embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view illustrating the half-moon inserts (preferably tapered) (a version of interior recycle can inserts  160 ) that are nestable within a cylindrical-shaped outer receptacle (cylinder  185 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . Cylindrical troughs  190  are shown to be insertable into cylinder  185  and are removable as also indicated via dotted lines. This particular embodiment of circular design  180  is preferred since it is similar to its predecessor ‘the conventional trash can’ such that consumers aren&#39;t dissuaded from its use; however it is also improved in that it provides added function as a refuse sorting tool. The top rim of cylinder  185  is also shown in the present figure and in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3A  is a top view illustrating the cylindrical-shaped outer receptacle (cylinder  185 ) having a rim according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a top view illustrating two of the half-moon inserts (interior recycle can inserts  160 ) and the contoured back-to-back surfaces (which allow for ease of grasping interior recycle can inserts  160 ) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . Interior recycle can inserts  160  are insertable and removable as shown in  FIG. 2  in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  is a side view illustrating the half-moon inserts version of interior recycle can inserts  160  (taper indicated) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2  and  3 B. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  are perspective views illustrating interior recycle can inserts  160  of an alternate embodiment of refuse container system  100  of the present invention of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates refuse container system  100  in an in-use condition  150  with user  170  removing inner recycle can inserts  160  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Refuse container system  100  is shown sitting on planer surface  107  comprising outer receptacle  110 . Outer receptacle  110  in-turn may comprise furniture item  116  (cabinet or square item) which may be manufactured in various decorative styles. Outer receptacle  110  comprises top opening  115  and upper periphery  136  and lower periphery  137 . Outer receptacle  110  also comprises body  120 . Body  120  comprises inner surface  130  and outer surface  135 . First wall  121 , second wall  122 , third wall  123 , fourth wall  124 , and fifth wall  125  define parameters of body  120  (more walls and different orientation than found in circular design  180  of  FIG. 2 .) 
     First wall  121 , second wall  122 , third wall  123 , and fourth wall  124  comprise enclosure-walls  140 ; second wall  122 , and fourth wall  124  comprising side enclosure-walls  140 ; fifth wall  125  comprises lower wall  145 . Body  120  comprises interior cavity  126  further comprising inner surface  130 . Refuse container system  100  does not comprise spacer plate for holding interior recycle can inserts  160  concentrically within outer receptacle  110 . In this way the present invention is cost-efficient to manufacture and contains a minimum of components. Refuse container system  100  preferably comprise two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  fitting down into outer receptacle  110  such that they are flush, or nearly flush, with top opening  115  of outer receptacle  110  of refuse container system  100 . In this way the present invention is relatively low in profile such that it may be fit into small spaces. 
     As in the preferred version, the purpose of the present invention is to help a user  170  separate their refuge  162  between recyclable refuge  162  and disposable refuse  162  and/or recyclable refuge  162  from other recyclable refuge  162  (for example plastic from paper or aluminum.) This is accomplished by providing two (or more) nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160 , as previously mentioned to fit within outer receptacle  110 . Preferably two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  store refuse  162 ; one interior recycle can insert  160  may store recyclable refuse  162  and one interior recycle can insert  160  may store disposable refuse  162  or alternate combination thereof. Nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  are each able to be picked up separately via one hand of user  170 . As in the previous embodiment, both duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  preferably comprise rigid material such as plastic  114  sufficient to retain its original contour when in a loaded and unloaded condition making them sufficiently durable in use. Refuse container system&#39;s  100  interior recycle can inserts  160  are not rotatably mounted about outer receptacle  110 . Interior recycle can inserts  160  may comprise a rhomboid or other such suitable shape of a profile to insert into outer receptacle  110 . 
     Two nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  are insertable and removably storable within outer receptacle  110  in interior cavity  126  via top opening  115  where they may be removed from or inserted therein. Each of duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  comprise right sidewall  141 , left sidewall  142 , front sidewall  143 , rear sidewall  144 , and lower wall  145 ; thereby defining enclosure-walls  140  of interior recycle can inserts  160 . Nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  comprise upper periphery  136  comprising a rimmed distance greater than around lower periphery  137  such that interior recycle can inserts  160  have a slight taper inwardly toward lower periphery  137 . This feature makes it easier to remove and insert interior recycle can inserts  160 . 
     Nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  comprise cut-out handle slots  165  which comprise openings suitable for a hand of a user  170  to grip interior recycle can inserts  160  permitting removal of interior recycle can inserts  160  from outer receptacle  110  to be emptied of refuse  162  contained therein. Nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  preferably comprise air holes  168  to provide ventilation to equalize relative air pressure such that interior recycle can inserts  160  are easily removable from outer receptacle  110 . Nestable and duplicate interior recycle can inserts  160  in combination with outer receptacle  110  form refuse container system  100  useful for holding and intermittently discarding refuse  162 . 
     Outer receptacle  110 , if comprising a furniture item  116 , may comprise wood  113  in alternate embodiments and may comprise other suitably equivalent materials such as composites, metals, and the like in others. Outer receptacle  110  comprising furniture item  116  may comprise plastic  114  for example. Outer receptacle  110  of refuse container system  100  in alternate versions may comprise cabinet  109 . Refuse container system  100  cabinet  109  may comprise legs  108  elevating refuse container system  100  above a planer surface  107 . Refuse container system  100  outer receptacle  110  comprises a rectangular parallelepiped  106  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  (alternate embodiment.) An optional lid  111  may be included for use with outer receptacle  110 . As mentioned, this featured option may help the aesthetics and may also help contain odors, keep animals and children out and the like. 
     Each of interior recycle can inserts  160  within this particular embodiment comprise a right sidewall  141 , a left sidewall  142 , a front sidewall  143 , a rear sidewall  144 , a lower sidewall  145 , an upper periphery  136  and a lower periphery  137 . Interior recycle can inserts  160  are slightly tapered, as previously mentioned. Interior recycle can inserts  160  comprise cut-out handle slots  165  and air holes  168  in preferred embodiments of this embodiment as well as in preferred embodiments. Refuse container system  100  may comprise cut-out handle slot  165  of left sidewall  142  of interior recycle can insert  160  and may also comprise a specifically contoured handle surface  166 . Refuse container system  100  right sidewall  141  of interior recycle can inserts  160  comprises one of cut-out handle slots  165 , as does left sidewall  142 .  FIG. 4A , shows a perspective view of a top of nestable interior recycle can insert  160  comprising enclosure-walls  140  comprising right sidewall  141 , left sidewall  142 , front sidewall  143  and rear sidewall  144 . The top is preferably open so refuse may be dropped in. 
     Refuse container system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B , may be sold as kit  450  comprising the following parts: at least one outer receptacle  110 ; at least two nestable interior recycle can inserts  160 ; and at least one Decorative Sort Can Recycling System logo educational/motivational labeling strip, comprised of recycled cardboard (front and back justifying use of recycle container). Optional stickers for consumer to use in marking the inner receptacles for intended use may be included. 
     Front Decorative Sort Can Recycling System logo may comprise the following indicia: I&#39;d like to thank you for purchasing a Decorative Sort Can Recycling System and making a commitment to send each recyclable item you use towards its next product life, instead of letting it go to landfill. Each item, each person, each choice, is a catalyst toward change, and your decision to recycle in every room is more powerful than you might think. You are part of the growing number of people who are actively reshaping the way humanity thinks about and uses the earth&#39;s resources. (signature of owner/inventor) LOOK AT THE CHART BELOW IF YOU&#39;D LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THE NEXT-LIFE PRODUCTS THAT YOUR USED PLASTIC ITEMS CAN BECOME. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 #s 
                 COMMON USES 
                 CAN BE RECYCLED INTO 
                 No. &amp; Name 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 water &amp; soda 
                 new water and soda bottles, 
                 PET 
               
               
                   
                 bottles, food jars 
                 clothing; including fleece, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (peanut butter, jelly) 
                 and other textiles, fiberfill for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 microwavable food 
                 jackets and sleeping bags, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 trays 
                 carpet, duffle bags and 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 backpacks, shoe laces, 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 door mats, cell phone cases 
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 milk bottles, yogurt 
                 new plastic bottles, 
                 HDPE 
               
               
                   
                 and margarine tubs, 
                 lawn chairs, garden edging, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 detergent bottles, 
                 toys, composite lumber for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 cereal box liners, 
                 decking, fences, and railing, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 shampoo bottles, 
                 birdfeeders, playground 
                   
               
               
                   
                 grocery bags 
                 equipment, picture frames 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 spray bottles, wall anchors 
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 plastic food wrap, 
                 roadbeds, roofing materials, 
                 PVC 
               
               
                   
                 vegetable oil bottles, 
                 floorcoverings, garden 
                   
               
               
                   
                 loose-leaf binders, 
                 furniture, checkbook 
                   
               
               
                   
                 plastic pipes, blister 
                 covers, piping products, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 packs, clamshells 
                 hotel key cards, ID badges 
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 polybags (used 
                 plastic lumber &amp; fencing, 
                 LDPE 
               
               
                   
                 in retail shipping) 
                 garden hoses, floor tiles, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 dry cleaning bags, 
                 bike racks, plastic cones, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 produce bags, bread 
                 cables, kitchen utensils, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 bags, squeezable 
                 reusable totes, trashcans, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 bottles (like for mustard) 
                 pallets, new trash bags 
                   
               
               
                 5 
                 ketchup &amp; syrup 
                 cutting boards, cutlery, 
                 PP 
               
               
                   
                 bottles, medicine 
                 toothbrushes, pill boxes, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 bottles, containers 
                 plastic funnels &amp; spouts, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 for yogurt &amp; cottage, 
                 compost bins, cell phone 
                   
               
               
                   
                 cheese, drinking straws, 
                 covers, party plates, 5 gallon 
                   
               
               
                   
                 plastic bottle caps 
                 containers and jugs, compost 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 bins 
                   
               
               
                 6 
                 foodservice trays, 
                 rulers, clipboards, pens, 
                 PS 
               
               
                   
                 and to go containers 
                 computer casings, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 meat trays, egg cartons 
                 picture frames, door 
                   
               
               
                   
                 protective packing for 
                 trim, crown molding, 
                   
               
               
                   
                 computers, furniture, 
                 baseboards, surfboards 
                   
               
               
                   
                 electronics, ice chests, 
                 CD casings, garden pots 
                   
               
               
                   
                 aspirin bottles, cutlery 
                 nursery flats, 
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 items that don&#39;t fit into 
                 not as easily recycled 
                   
               
               
                   
                 categories 1-6, including 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 5 gallon water bottles 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 and some kitchen 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 storage containers 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Reused and recycled plastic is even being used to build bridges, railroad ties, boardwalks, car bumpers, bicycles, boats, docks, and buildings! 
     Because 7 to 8% of the earth&#39;s fossil fuels are used to produce plastic, it might make you happy to know that your Decorative Sort Can Recycling System liners are made of 100% post consumer, recycled plastic! 
     (Back) Decorative Sort Can Recycling System logo: Here are some interesting, and possibly surprising facts: 
     Landfills are specifically designed to prevent decomposition, so once something goes into a landfill, it doesn&#39;t come out, even if that product says “biodegradable”. 
     The words “biodegradable” and “compostable” do not mean the same thing, but if you want your compostable items to return to soil, you can compost at home, or find a facility that is certified to do so. 
     Paper products make up the largest percentage of waste to landfills (33%) even though all dry, non-greasy, non-wax-coated paper and cardboard items are recyclable. 
     Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S. 
     Making new paper from recycled paper uses 30-50% less energy than making paper from trees and it reduces contributions to air pollution by 95%. 
     Every ton of recycled office paper saves 380 gallons of oil. 
     It takes 95% less energy to make aluminum from scrap. 
     Recycling one aluminum can saves the energy equivalent of a ½ gallon of gas. 
     The average number of plastic bottles consumed in the U.S. every minute is 400,000. 
     In the U.S., in 2011, waste-diversion efforts (recycling rates) were at 33%. 
     For every job collecting recyclables, there are 26 jobs in processing the materials and manufacturing them into new products. 
     A 75% recycling rate in the US alone would create over 1.5 million jobs. 
     Reaching a 75% recycling rate in the US would reduce carbon emissions by 276 million metric tons by 2030, the equivalent of taking 50 million cars off the road! 
     The above recycling facts, will change as time moves on, and manufacturing technologies/practices change, so the above product marketing/labeling educational strip will be a fluid document. 
     Refuse container system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, different shapes, more or less inserts, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , showing a flowchart illustrating a method of use  500  for refuse container system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
     A method of use  500  for refuse container system  100  may comprise the steps of: step one  501  inserting two nestable interior recycle can inserts  160  into outer receptacle  110 ; step two  502  removing one or two nestable interior recycle can inserts from outer receptacle  110 ; step three  503  disposing of refuse  162  (emptying separated recycled materials) from nestable interior can insert(s)  160 ; and step four  504  replacing nestable interior recycle can insert(s)  160  into outer receptacle  110 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.