Patent Publication Number: US-11640575-B2

Title: Method for deploying large numbers of waste containers in a waste collection system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/829,449, filed Mar. 25, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/011,940, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,138, filed May 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,251,388, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this description. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to refuse and waste removing and hauling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or redeploying waste containers in a waste removing and hauling system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The collection and transportation of trash and recyclables from residential, commercial, industrial and large residential facifaies is a major industry in the United States and throughout the civilized world. Typically, trash and recyclables are accumulated and temporarily stored in waste material receptacles such as trash cans and dumpsters. When filled, or at regularly scheduled intervals, trash and recyclables from the containers are transported for the eventual recycling, incineration and/or disposal into landfills, 
     Customers typically pay for trash and recyclables removal services based on the amount of trash and recyclables removed and the number of trash and recyclables pickups over a period of time. The compacting of trash and recyclables at a customer&#39;s location typically reduces the n umber of pickups. A successful trash and recyclables compactor is disclosed in US 6A 12A06, titled Trash Compactor, and Owned by Advanced Custom Engineered Systems &amp; Equipment, Inc., Hanover Park, Ill. 
     These industrial, commercial and large residential bins and compactors are collected from different locations and hauled to a central location. Normally, those hauling the trash and recyclables are sent from a central location and dispatched to the different locations. In practice, paper logs or schedules document the hauler&#39;s runs (e.g., trash and recyclables to pick-up, trash and recyclables being picked-up, and trash and recyclables picked-up). The haulers are given their routes in person or over the phone. The haulers, in turn, keep in touch with the central location generally by cell phone or radio. 
     For large organizations this can be a very complicated task as there are many haulers and many customers needing their trash and recyclables collected, picked-up and hauled away. In addition, commercial, industrial and large residential (e.g., condos and apartment buildings) trash and recyclables compactors and balers must be monitored for maintenance and repair. This too requires time and energy for the haulers and/or representatives (of the service provider) to monitor and inspect. 
     It should also be recognized that these industrial, commercial and large residential bins, balers and compactors require both period maintenance and emergency demand repair services. Normally, those repairing the equipment are sent from a central location and dispatched to the different locations. In practice, paper logs or work orders document the repairperson&#39;s time (e.g., drive time, time spent performing the repairs, parts and materials used, etc.). The repair companies use a variety of management tools. For example, some are given their routes in person or over the phone. The service providers, in turn, keep in touch with the central location generally by cell phone or radio. 
     For large organizations this can be a very complicated to coordinate and to verify that the charges for these services are fair and accurate as there are many service providers and many customers needing their compactors, bins and balers repaired. In addition, commercial, industrial and large residential (e.g., condos and apartment buildings). 
     In addition, it must be recognized that trash and recyclables compactors, balers and bins must further be monitored for maintenance and repair. 
     Methods of improving the refuse collection are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008-0197194 A1, published on Aug. 21, 2008; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008-0198021 A1, published on Aug. 21, 2008; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008-0202357 A1, published on Aug. 28, 2008. These publications are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, and generally disclose systems for communicating with receptacles, etc. 
     One on-going advancement in the field of refuse removal is directed to improving communication between the vehicles making refuse pick-ups (emptying receptacles) and the central station or dispatcher. Currently, the dispatcher may be in contact with the vehicle via radio or telephone transmission. However, it is not cost-effective of feasible for the dispatcher to be in constant contact with every vehicle out in the field. Thus, it is impossible for the dispatcher to relay account information associated with each receptacle to a vehicle. In would be advantageous to provide such information to the vehicle to prevent pick-up and emptying of receptacles owned or managed by entities delinquent in their payment of invoices. Also, a given account may have special instructions, such as an additional oversized pick-up, for a discreet single day or event. The dispatcher currently has no way of assuring that the special instructions are provided to the vehicle in a timely manner. 
     Furthermore, there is on-going and growing concern in major municipalities with controlling several aspects refuse collection. For instance, citizens or users will often engage in activity with respect to refuse receptacles that violates municipal codes. Some of this is caused by simply overloading receptacles. Other times, a user may fall behind in payment of bills for removing refuse and waste, and the receptacles and surrounding areas will become over loaded with refuse. This provides a haven for vermin such as rats. It may also cause damage to the lane on which the receptacles are located. 
     Absent constant patrol of back lanes, municipalities often have no idea that these conditions exist until it is too late. Even when patrolling the back lanes, it is difficult to impossible to determine which receptacles belong to which owners/addresses. Finally, when a positive identification of the offending receptacle is able to be determined the process consumes so much time that the municipal employee is only able to investigate but a handful of the many violations that occur at any one time. Thus, city officials need a method that will facilitate receptacle identification while at the same time providing a simplified method of issuing citations to the proper entity responsible for the code violation. 
     The problems discussed above are being addressed by the industry. However, another problem remains and that is to deploy or redeploy large numbers of waste containers among the hundreds or thousands of users/citizens participating in waste refuse collection system. Currently, there is no automated method of outfitting waste containers with suitable tracking mechanisms, normally an active or passive radio frequency emitting identification tag. Presently, there are literally millions of waste containers in use throughout the country that are not outfitted with such radio frequency tags and no accurate, cost-effective method or system to deploy, outfit, to retrofit the waste containers with an active or passive radio frequency identification tag. 
     The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior waste and refuse collection systems of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior deployment systems of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of redeploying waste containers in a waste collection system with an active or passive signal means. The method comprises the following steps: (1) aiming an optical character recognition reader at a waste container comprising a unique optical waste container identifier; (3) reading the unique waste container optical identifier using the optical character recognition reader; (4) converting the unique waste container optical identifier to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier; (5) associating a unique radio frequency signal identifier stored on a radio frequency emitting tag with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier; and (6) attaching the radio frequency emitting tag to the waste container. 
     The first aspect of the present invention may include one or more of the following features and or steps, alone or in any reasonable combination. The method may further comprise the step of storing the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier on the optical character recognition reader. The method may further comprise the step of reading the unique radio frequency signal identifier from the radio frequency emitting tag. The method may further comprise the step of activating a software module for associating the unique radio frequency signal identifier with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier stored on the optical character recognition reader. The method may further comprise the step of activating a software module for associating the unique radio frequency signal identifier with personal user data of a user of the waste container. The method may further comprise the step of activating a software module for generating a unique database entry comprising the unique radio frequency signal identifier and the personal user data associated therewith. The optical character recognition reader and a radio frequency signal identifier reader for reading the unique radio frequency signal identifier from the radio frequency emitting tag may be included on a single computer. The associating the unique radio frequency signal identifier with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier step may be performed by a single computer. The method may further comprise the step of transmitting the unique radio frequency signal identifier and the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier associated therewith to a central computer. The transmitting step may be performed by a single computer. The method may further comprise the step of distributing the waste container having the unique optical waste container identifier pre-printed thereon to the user of the waste container. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of deploying multiple waste containers in a waste collection system. The method comprises the steps of: (1) providing an optical character recognition reader capable of reading a unique optical waste container identifier printed on a waste container and converting the unique optical waste container identifier to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier; (2) providing a radio frequency emitting tag comprising a unique radio frequency signal identifier stored thereon; (3) providing a software for associating the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier with the radio frequency emitting tag identifier; (4) providing a software module for associating the radio frequency signal identifier with personal information data associated with a user of the waste container; and (5) providing a software module for compiling a database comprising the personal information data associated with the user of the waste container, the unique radio frequency signal identifier, and unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. 
     The second aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features or steps, alone or in any reasonable combination. The method may further comprise the step of providing a radio frequency emitting tag reader for reading the radio frequency signal identifier on the radio frequency emitting tag. The method may further comprise the step of providing a computer wherein the radio frequency emitting tag reader and the optical character recognition reader are located on the computer. The software for associating the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier with the radio frequency emitting tag identifier may be stored in a memory located on the computer. The software for associating the radio frequency signal identifier with personal information data associated with the user of the waste container may be stored in the memory located on the computer. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a waste removal and hauling vehicle of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1    with a waste receptacle in an unloading position; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a second waste removal and hauling vehicle of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  3    with a waste receptacle in a second position; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a third waste removal and hauling vehicle of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  5    with a waste receptacle in a second position; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a fourth waste removal and hauling vehicle of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  7    with a waste receptacle in a second position; 
         FIG.  9    is a front and rear perspective views of a receptacle showing placement of a communication means; 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart of a method of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart of a process of an on-board computer; 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart of a process for controlling automatic receptacle emptying carried out by an on-board computer; 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart of a process of a first receiver located at a first position on a waste removal and hauling vehicle; 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart of a process of a second receiver located at a second position on a waste removal and hauling vehicle; 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart of a communication process carried out by an on-board computer; and 
         FIG.  16    is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus and a method of the present invention; 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating a method by which a municipality may use principles and concepts of the present invention to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles 
         FIG.  18    is a block diagram of an aspect of the invention for use in conjunction with the method  FIG.  17   ; and 
         FIG.  19    is a block diagram of an aspect of the invention for use with the method of  FIG.  17     
         FIG.  20    is a schematic showing a waste container and a handheld computer wherein the waste container has a unique alphanumeric identifier and a radio frequency tag attached thereto having a unique radio frequency identifier stored thereon, and the handheld computer has an optical character recognition reader, a radio frequent tag reader, a memory with executable software stored thereon, and a means for communicating with a remote server or computer; 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic showing a waste container and a handheld computer wherein the waste container has a unique alphanumeric identifier and a radio frequency tag attached thereto having a unique radio frequency identifier stored thereon, and the handheld computer has an optical character recognition reader, a radio frequent tag reader, a memory with executable software stored thereon, and a means for communicating with a remote server or computer; and 
         FIG.  22    is a schematic diagram of the handheld computer of  FIGS.  20  and  21    in communication with a central server. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 16   , waste removal and hauling vehicles and systems or methods incorporating such vehicles with sensors and an operational network to facilitate proper, efficient and effective waste monitoring and collection are illustrated. As best illustrated by the block diagram in  FIG.  16   , the overall system  10  comprises a receptacle  100 , preferably a plurality of receptacles located at a plurality of locations throughout a municipality, a refuse or waste hauling vehicle  200 , an external site  300 , typically a central station, management office, dispatcher or the like, and a handheld reader/printer transmitter means  400  used in an example of a municipal functionality. 
     Each receptacle  100  is outfitted with a means of communicating or transmitting a signal carrying an identifier associated with the receptacle  102 , such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. RFID tags are well-known in the retail industry for identifying products. In particular, an RFID tag or transponder is an object applied to or incorporated into a product for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts, namely an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a (RF) signal and an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. RFID tags come in three general varieties: passive, active, or semi-passive (also known as battery-assisted). Passive tags require no internal power source, thus being pure passive devices (they are only activated when a reader is nearby to power them), whereas semi-passive and active tags require a power source, usually a small battery. While the present discussion focuses on passive RFID tags, it is recognized that a similar system can be used for active and semi-active RFID tags. 
     The RFID tags may transmit high frequency (HF) signals, low frequency signals (LF), or ultra-high frequency (UHF) signals. The characteristics of these signals differ, and one particular frequency may be more advantageous than another based on the particular application of the system. For instance, low frequency signals have a short read range (distance) which would prevent errors or false reads. UHF signals can have a read range that is very short to very wide (any yards or meter). 
     While RFID, and in particular passive RFID tags are discussed herein, it is recognized that other identifying or alerting tags can be used. Many are known and perhaps others in the future. For example, electrical article surveillance (EAS) tags can be used. EAS tags are commonly used to prevent shoplifting from retail stores. The EAS tags are attached to merchandise and are removed or deactivated by the clerks when the item is properly bought or checked out. At the exits of stores, a detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the staff when it senses active tags. These tags are typically made of a strip of amorphous metal (metglas) having a low magnetic saturation value. This strip is also lined with a strip of ferromagnetic material with a coercive field (magnetic “hardness”). Detection is achieved by sensing harmonics and sum or difference signals generated by the non-linear magnetic response of the material under a mixture oflow-frequency (in the 10 Hz to 1000 Hz range) magnetic fields. 
     When the ferromagnetic material is magnetized, it biases the amorphous metal strip into saturation, where it no longer produces harmonics. The tags are activated by demagnetization and deactivated with magnetization. 
     The identifier associated with the receptacle is preferably a discreet identifier which is assigned to the receptacle  100 . The identifier information is stored on a database typically located at the external site  300 , and electronically joined with an account to which the receptacle  100  belongs. In other words, account information is housed on a database located at the external site  300 . Each account has one or more receptacle identifiers associated with it, and the database carries with it information typical to the management of any business account, for example, special instructions, accounts receivable, last receipt, last invoice, amount in arrears, days since last payment, historical account information, contact information, owner, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 - 8   , various vehicles  200   a - d  used in conjunction with the system  10  are illustrated. These vehicles  200   a - d  are intended to be examples of the types of waste removing and hauling vehicles used to transport refuse today. It should also be understood that the vehicles  200   a - d  and related concepts of the external site  300  and the receptacle  100  can be used alone or, more importantly, in combination with the municipal permitting concepts described above 
     Each of the vehicles  200   a - d  includes a waste bin  202  located above a baseline upon which the vehicle  200   a - d  is supported, generally the ground. The waste bin  202  includes a chamber  204  and an emptying site  206 . The refuse within the receptacles  100  is loaded into the chamber  204  via the emptying site  206 . One of ordinary skill in the art of waste hauling would readily understand this method of refuse handling without further description as it is the standard procedure employed in the art. 
     The vehicles  200   a - d  are further outfitted with at least one receiver  208   a , in most cases a plurality of receivers  208   a,b  and preferably two. The receivers  208   a,b  may be sensors, transducers, or antennae, or any combination thereof. As illustrated in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , preferably, the receivers  208  receive the signal from the transmitting means  102  on the receptacles  100  and send a corresponding signal via wire, wireless, or any other medium to an on-board communication or data link  210 . The signal from the receiver  208   a,b  may be response signal to the energy in the form of the signal transmitted by the transmitter means  102 , or the signal may simply be a pass through signal, including conversion from a wireless signal to a signal carried by another medium such as a wire. In either case, all or a part of the signal from the receivers  208  to the data link are associated with the actual identity or the unique identifier associated with the each receptacle  100 . In the case where a separate response signal to the transmitter means  102  is generated, the response signal may carry additional information such as location of the particular receiver  208   a,b  generating the signal, etc. 
     The locations chosen for the receivers  208   a,b  are extremely important because the receivers  208   a,b  are used for several different purposes, including for possible tracking of the receptacle  100  as it is transferred from position-to-position relative to the vehicle  200   a - d  by a means for transferring the receptacle  212 , which may be automated systems known in the art, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , comprising mechanical arms, booms, or the like extending outwardly from the vehicle  200  to which a waste receptacle  100 , or a waste bin  202  in the case of a roll-off vehicle  200   d  r or manual systems also known in the art. For instance, in a conventional refuse collection and hauling vehicles  200   a - d  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , a first receiver  208   a  is located at a position where reception of the signal from the transmitter means  102  can be promoted prior to unloading or emptying of the receptacle. As shown in the  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the first location or position is typically where the receptacle  100  is engaged by the means for transferring the receptacle  212  prior to the receptacle  100  being transported to the emptying site  206  by the means for transferring  212 . 
     The preferred location of the first receiver  208   a  on a front loading vehicle  200   a , illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , is on the front of the vehicle  200   a  below the windshield and centered between opposing ends or sides. The first receiver  208  may be recessed or spaced from the bumper such that accidental collision with an obstacle would not damage the receiver. Accordingly, the first receiver  208   a  may be located within or protected by the shell of the vehicle  200   a  as long as the receiver  208   a  is capable of achieving its purpose. One example of such a location may be behind the vehicle radiator grill. In any event, the first receiver  208   a  is associated with the means for transferring the receptacle  212  when the receptacle is in a first position. As illustrated, the means for transferring  212  comprises a pair of arms with grasping hooks for engaging corresponding handles on the receptacle  100 . 
       FIGS.  3 - 6    show vehicles emptying a certain type of receptacle  100 . This type of receptacle  100  is illustrated in  FIG.  9    to show a placement position for the communication means  102  which may not be evident from  FIGS.  3 - 6   . 
     The preferred location for the first receiver  208   a  on a side loading vehicle  200   b , illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , is on a side of the vehicle corresponding to a side of the vehicle where the receptacle  100  would be located prior to or just as the means for transferring the receptacle  212  engages the receptacle  100 . This location is typically on the passenger side adjacent the transfer means  212 . This includes either just behind the cab or on the cab to the rear of the passenger side door. The first receiver  208   a  may be protected by locating on the passenger side and behind the cab, such that the receiver is protected by the cab and the waste bin  202 . 
     The preferred location of the first receiver  208   a  on a rear loading vehicle  200   c , illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , is at the rear of the vehicle  200   c  above the baseline, between the tail lights, but below the emptying site  206 . Thus, as receptacles  100  are transported to the vehicle  200   c  for emptying at the emptying site  206 , the communication means  102  may be positioned such that the first receiver  208   a  may receive the signal from the communication means  102  without difficulty. These types of vehicles  200   c  may or may not be outfitted with an automated means for transferring receptacle  212 . The example shown in the drawings exhibits such an automated system. 
     The preferred location of the first receiver  208   a  on a roll-off vehicle  200   d , illustrate in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , is similar to the location on rear loading vehicles  200   c , namely at the rear of the vehicle  200   d , above the baseline and between the tail lights of the vehicle  200   d  where the means for transferring  212  first engages the waste bin  202 . Although one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize this point, it should be noted that a roll-off vehicle  200   d  differs from the other vehicles  200   a - c  in that the waste bin  202  also acts as the receptacle. Thus, the transfer means  212  does not transfer and dump a receptacle. Rather, it engages a waste bin  202  and loads it onto the vehicle  200   d  bed. It follows that the transmitter means  102  would be located on the waste bin  202 , preferably on the forward or front facing wall as shown in the drawings. 
     The vehicles  200   a - d  also include a second receiver  208   b  located at a position where reception of the signal from the transmitter means  102  can be promoted either at the instant of receptacle unloading or just prior or just subsequent to receptacle unloading. Accordingly, this second location is typically adjacent the emptying site  206  to the chamber  204  and in alignment with the first receiver. The phrases “in alignment with the first receiver  208   a ,” “aligned with the first receiver  208   a ,” and the like are intended to include a position wherein a path of the receptacle and the means for transmitting  102  taken from the first position at the first receiver  208   a  to a second position at the second receiver  208   b , as determined by the means for transferring the receptacle  212  included on the vehicles  200   a - c , naturally brings the means for transmitting  102  to a location where the second receiver  208   b  can receive the signal from the means for transmitting  102 , i.e. into a range of the second receiver  208   b  where reception is achieved. 
     To further facilitate accuracy in the system  10 , a means for activating  213  the first and/or second receivers  208   a,b  may be included in the system  10 . For example, the second receiver  208   b  may be activated or powered up only upon waste receptacle  212  reaching a certain point in the process of transferring the receptacle  212  from the ground to the emptying site  206 . For example, a proximity switch, photo sensor, laser, mechanical switch or the like can be employed to trigger the second receiver  208   b  such that the receiver  208   b  can receive a signal from the transmitter means  102 . This improvement reduces the number of false reading that could be taken by the receivers  208   a,b  during the receptacle  212  emptying process. 
     In one embodiment, a means for activating  213  signals the first receiver  208   a  to activate upon grasping of the waste receptacle  100  by the automated means for transferring the receptacle  212 . The means for activating  213  signals the first receiver  208   a  to power down when the waste receptacle  100  is mover upwardly. A second means for activating  213  is associated with the second receiver  208   b  and signals the second receiver to power up when the means for transferring  212  reaches a predetermined location, generally a height, with the receptacle  100 . Once the reading is taken by the second receiver  208   b , the means for activating  213  signals the second receiver  208   b  to power down. Thus, the first and second receivers  208   a,b  are only able to receive signals from an RFID tag of a given receptacle  100  when the means for activating  212  allows the receivers  208   a,b  to be powered up. This greatly eliminates false readings taken by the first and second receivers  208   a,b.    
     In one embodiment, the means for activating is triggered or activates the first or second receiver  208   a,b  based on the position and/or movement of the means for transferring  212  through a given zone, region, or area located on the truck, preferably long a path taken by the receptacle by the means for transferring or by a path taken by the means for transferring  212  itself. 
     The preferred location of the second receiver  208   b  on a front loading vehicle  200   a , illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , is on the front of the vehicle  200   a  above the windshield and preferably above the cab, approximately aligned with the first receiver  208   a . The second receiver  208   b  may be attached to the roof of the cab or closer to the emptying site  206 , which is an opening on the vertically upper surface of the bin  202 , on a portion of the bin  202  just behind the cab and aligned with the first receiver  208   a . The second receiver  208   b  may be located within or protected by the shell of the vehicle  200   a  or the bin  202  as long as the receiver  208   b  is capable of achieving its purpose. 
     The preferred location for the second receiver  208   b  on a side loading vehicle  200   b , illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , is on a side of the vehicle corresponding to a side of the vehicle where the receptacle  100  would be located and elevated above the position of the first receiver  208   a . This location is typically on the passenger side either just behind the cab or on the cab to the rear of the passenger side door, either on the roof of the cab, on the rear of the cab adjacent the roof, or on some other portion of the vehicle  200   b , such as an upper, stationary portion of the transfer means  212  as illustrated. In any case, the second receiver  208   b  is aligned with the first receiver  208   a  as determined by the path of the receptacle  100  provides by the means for transferring the receptacle  212 . 
     The preferred location of the second receiver  208   b  on a rear loading vehicle  200   c , illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , is at the rear of the vehicle  200   c  above the baseline, between the tail lights, and above the first receiver site  208   a  and aligned therewith. 
     The preferred location of the second receiver  208   b  on a roll-off vehicle  200   d , illustrate in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , is generally some portion of the vehicle  200   d  adjacent to where the front face of the bin  202  having the transmitter means  102  is located once the bin  202  is loaded onto the vehicle  200   d . This may be on the back of the cab adjacent to where the means for transmitting  102  on the waste bin  202  is positioned once the transfer means  212  positions the waste bin  202  on the vehicle  200   d , or it may be on a forward portion of transfer means  212  as illustrated. Again, the second receiver  208   b  is preferably aligned with the first receiver  208   a.    
     As shown in the block diagram of  FIG.  16   , the vehicle  200  has a controller  214 , for activating and deactivating the means for transferring the receptacle  212 , in communication with an on-board computer  216 . The on-board computer  216  has a graphic interface  218  and provides the data or communication link to the external site  300  via modern or some other communication device. The controller  214  may also be a module within the on-board computer without departing from the spirit of the invention. Communication to and from the external site  300  is shown as wireless communication. The first and second receivers  208   a,b  are illustrated as spaced wherein as the transmitting means  102  traverses toward the first receiver  208   a , the first receiver  208   a  receives the signal from the transmitter means  102 . Likewise, as the receptacle  100  is transferred to the second position where the second receiver  208   b  is located, the second receiver  208   b  receives the signal from the transmitter means  102 . Movement of the receptacle  100  and the associated signal are shown in dashed lines. 
     The external site  300  may include a server  302  in communication with computer  304  and a database  306 , typically on the computer  304 . Of course, the server  300  is not required to be at the same physical site as the computer  304 , nor is it required for the database  306  to be stored on a computer separate from the server  302 . The block diagram is merely an example of a possible layout. The only requirement for the external site  300  is the database  306  and a means for communication between the vehicles and database  306 . 
     Now, as illustrated in flowcharts of  FIG.  10 - 15   , the various components of the system, the receptacle  100 , the vehicle  200 , and the external site  300 , work together to provide an overall apparatus, the elements of which were described above, and a method for removing and hauling waste. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , first, a receptacle  100  is located at a baseline position adjacent the vehicle  200  such that means for transmitting  102  is brought within the reception range with the first receiver  208   a . The transmitter means  208   a  sends a signal carrying discreet receptacle identifier information to the receiver  208   a . The receiver  208   a  either passes the signal directly to the on-board communication link, preferably a module of the on-board computer  216 , or generates a new signal based on the signal received from the means for transmitting, but still including some type of receptacle identifier. 
     Next, the communication link sends a signal, either pass through or new, to the external site which receives the signal. The identity of the receptacle  100  is checked against an account database  306  to verify that the receptacle  100  should be emptied into the vehicle  200 . A signal is generated indicating the account status associated with the receptacle identifier. 
     If the account is in good standing (pass condition), the controller  214  for the means for transferring the receptacle  212  is automatically activated either by a module or routine on the on-board computer or on the external computer  304 . The means for transferring the receptacle  212  transports the receptacle  100  to the emptying site  20  where the transmitter means  102  is within reception range of the second receiver  208   b . The transmitter means  102  sends a signal carrying discreet receptacle identifier information to the receiver  208   b . The receiver  208   b  either passes the signal directly to the on-board communication link, preferably a module of the on-board computer  216 , or generates a new signal based on the signal received from the means for transmitting, but still including some type of receptacle identifier. The triggered or pass through signal from the second receiver  208   b  represents an event. The event is preferably the emptying of the receptacle  100  into the vehicle bin  202 . This event is recorded on the database  306  at the external site  300  and associated with the receptacle account. 
     If the account is not in good standing (fail condition), the controller  214  is not activated, a signal carrying an alarm or warning is transmitted to the vehicle  200 . The account status can also be displayed on the on-board graphic interface  218 . As a result, the transfer means  212  is not activated, and the receptacle  100  is not emptied into the vehicle bin  202 . However, if for some reason, such as immediate, on-the-spot payment of an invoice by a customer, the vehicle personnel are inclined to empty the receptacle  100 , vehicle personnel may override the alert and manually engage/energize the transfer means  212 . In this case, as illustrated on the right hand side of  FIG.  10   , transmitter means  102  sends a signal carrying discreet receptacle identifier information to the second receiver  208   b . The second receiver  208   b  either passes the signal directly to the on-board communication link, preferably a module of the on-board computer  216 , or generates a new signal based on the signal received from the means for transmitting, but still including some type of receptacle identifier. The triggered or pass through signal from the second receiver  208   b  represents an event. The event is preferably the emptying of the receptacle  100  into the vehicle bin  202 . This event is recorded on the database  306  at the external site  300  and associated with the receptacle account. The first receiver  208   a  may send an additional signal at a second moment in time when the receptacle  100  at is returned to the first position. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  11   , a flowchart of a process of the on-board computer  216  is illustrated. Here, the communication or data link between the receivers  208   a,b  and the external site  300  is a module or routine provided by the computer  216 . This process comprises receiving a signal carrying the receptacle identifier from the first receiver  208   a . The computer  216  then transmits a signal from the vehicle  200  to the external site  300 . Once the data has been analyzed at the external site  300 , the computer  216  receives a return signal from the external site  300  and determines whether to activate the transfer means  212  or require an override to empty the receptacle  100 . If the transfer means  212  is activated, either automatically or manually via override, the second receiver  208   b  will send a signal to the computer  216 . The computer  216  transmits a second signal to the external site  300  indicating that the emptying event has taken place. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  12   , a process for controlling the transfer means  212  is illustrated. This process may be performed by the on-board computer  216  or by an existing controller  214  in communication with the on-board computer  216 . The computer  216  receives a signal related to or determined by an account status associated with the receptacle. If the account status is such that the receptacle should be emptied, i.e. current, a signal is generated to automatically energize the transfer means  212 . If the account status is not current, the process ends. 
     Referring to  FIG.  15   , a process of the computer  304  of the external site  300  is illustrated. The main purpose of the server  302  and/or the computer  304  of the external site  300  is to hold or have the capability of accessing a database  306 , the database  306  including an association between receptacle identity, ownership or responsibility, and account status. In terms of the overall system or method of the invention, the external site  300  communicates with the vehicle  200  by receiving and sending signals. 
     For example, the external site  300  receives a first signal carrying a receptacle identifier from the vehicle  200 . This first signal is associated with the receptacle  100  being located at the first position. The first signal originates with, though is not necessarily identical to, the signal received from the transmitter means  102  at the first receiver  208   a . A module at the external site  300 , preferably on the computer  304 , compares the data carried by the signal against account information on the database  306  to determine an account status associated with the receptacle identifier. The result of the comparison, i.e. the account status, is transmitted from the external site  300  back to the vehicle. 
     Further, the external site  300  receives a second signal from the vehicle  200 . This second signal is associated with the receptacle  100  being located at the second position. The second signal originates with, though is not necessarily identical to, the signal received from the transmitter means  102  at second receiver  208   b . A module at the external site  300 , preferably on the computer  304 , compares the data carried by the signal against account information on the database  306  and records an event, the emptying of the receptacle  100 , in connection with the receptacle  100 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  17 - 19   , the inventors also foresee the means for communicating or transmitting  102  as being supplied by municipalities on a permit basis to citizens. This would provide several advantages. First, the permit process would provide an unexpected source of income to the municipality because the typical permit granting process comes with an associated government fee. Secondly, it would provide a means by which the municipality can easily track ownership of or responsibility for the receptacle. Thirdly, because ownership of the receptacle would be stored on the database created during the permit process, citations for misuse, neglect, damage, etc. can be easily, swiftly, and electronically generated using a handheld receiver with printer for generating citations, providing yet a further stream of income to municipalities as well as improving lane conditions, thus reducing the likelihood of infestation by vermin. In addition, sanitation inspectors would be more productive due to the automation provided by the handhelds readers in combination with the communication means, preferably RFID tags  102 . 
     As set forth above, this aspect of the invention directly results in cleaner streets and alleys. The invention will eliminate or reduce trash overages, under size containers, poor container maintenance condition, e.g. no lid. Permits and citations will force compliance. Users can specify correct container size, schedule additional pick-ups. Service may be halted due to lack of payment or by schedule. 
     Information regarding each permit/receptacle identifier, the account associated therewith, and the entity responsible for the account/permit/receptacle is stored on a managed database. The database may include other information such as hauler name, permit number and container asset number (human readable sticker and RFID tag). Use and access of the database is explained in more detail below. 
     The RFID tags  102  can be read by inspectors having mobile and/or handheld computers  400 . Citations may be issued immediately via printer on the handheld  400  and/or mailed with back-up violation data. Inspectors and other municipal employees use mobile handheld RFID readers with cameras to read tags and report violations. Citations can be issued and wireless transmission of data achieved through the handhelds  400 . 
     This aspect of the invention requires haulers or receptacle owners to purchase annual container permits. The issued permit includes a means for transmitting  102 , such as an RFID container tag. Revenue to the municipality is generated by an enforcement program. 
     Further, a container registration fee includes RFID tagging. The RFID tag information is linked to customer and hauler information in the database. 
     More specifically, a tag  102  (such as a passive RFID tag) acts as a permit. While the description below discusses passive RFID tags as permits, it is recognized that other information storing devices can also be used, such as active RFID tags, hybrid RFID tags, smartcards, and other hereto unknown items. 
     Typically, one goes to the governing body or agency and fills out the necessary registration forms, pays the necessary fees, and receives the RFID tag  102  acting as a permit. This initial registration and payment can also be done on-line through the internet or over the telephone. The tag includes certain necessary information dependent on its purpose. Encoding, entering, and keeping such information on the tag is well-known to those skilled in the art. Such information can include: the permit&#39;s issuing body (e.g., Secretary of State, Village of Anywhere, City of Nowhere), the date of issuance of the permit, the term of the permit (e.g., Jun. 1, 2010-May 31, 2011), the type of permit (e.g., “Permit for Trash,” “Vehicle Permit,” Elevator Permit), the location for the permit&#39;s use (e.g., “123 Main St. Anytown, USA,” “1999 Ford Austere,” “Elevator No. 6 SE for The Towers”), the responsible party&#39;s name and contact information (e.g., “Joe Smith at 111 S. Main, Anytown,” “Office of Management, The Towers, 432 E. Main, Anytown,” “Joe&#39;s Construction Co., 999 W. Main, Anytown”), and any other information necessary under the circumstances for the inspector to make a determination as to whether the permit is in compliance or out of compliance resulting in a violation. In the preferred application, the tag  102  includes all the information necessary for a government or independent inspector to make a determination in the field at a remote location as to whether a violation is present and has occurred relating to the item being inspected. 
     For visual inspection and to ensure proper location (e.g., the tag is in the correct vehicle or at the correct address), the RFID tag  102  typically has identifying indicia thereon such as time period involved, address, municipality&#39;s identity, and possibly the owner&#39;s identity. This ensures the tag  102  is placed at the proper location and gives the inspector visual verification of the tag&#39;s location. 
     The tag  102  is given or sent to the person responsible for the permit along with specific instructions as to placement, use, and purpose. 
     The  102  tag can also include a mounting component  104 , such as a protective pocket or pouch having an adhesive on one side so the pouch can hold the tag and protect it and be adhered to the location where the permit is to be displayed, e.g., the outside wall of a recycling container, the inside of a trash can lid (outside the trash can itself) or on the outside can wall, the inside of a windshield, the inside of a business window, etc. 
     EXAMPLES 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Permit 
                   
                 Identification 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Purpose 
                 Permit 
                 Information 
                 Carrier 
                 Location 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Trash/Refuse 
                 The Collection, 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on inside 
               
               
                 Removal 
                 Storage of 
                 Type of 
                 with adhesive on 
                 of lid for Trash 
               
               
                   
                 Trash/Refuse 
                 Container 
                 one side 
                 Container or 
               
               
                   
                 for Removal 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                 outside Large 
               
               
                   
                 and Size of 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                 Compactor/Bailer 
               
               
                   
                 Container, 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Compactor or 
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bailer 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Recyclables 
                 Collection of 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on inside 
               
               
                 Removal 
                 The Collection, 
                 Type of 
                 with adhesive on 
                 of Lid for 
               
               
                   
                 Storage and 
                 Container 
                 one side 
                 Recyclable 
               
               
                   
                 Removal of 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                 Container or 
               
               
                   
                 Recyclable 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                 outside Large 
               
               
                   
                 Materials and 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                 Compactor/Bailer 
               
               
                   
                 Size of 
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Container, 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Compactor or 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bailer 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Grease 
                 The Collection 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on inside 
               
               
                 Boxes 
                 and Storage of 
                 Type of 
                 with adhesive on 
                 of Lid for 
               
               
                   
                 Discarded 
                 Container 
                 one side 
                 Recyclable 
               
               
                   
                 Grease for 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                 Container or 
               
               
                   
                 Removal 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                 outside of Box 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Business 
                 To Conduct 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on inside 
               
               
                   
                 Business at a 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                 of Window for 
               
               
                   
                 Certain Premise 
                 Permit Number 
                 one side 
                 Business 
               
               
                   
                   
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Vehicle 
                 To Park a 
                 Type of Vehicle 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on inside 
               
               
                   
                 Vehicle 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                 of Window for 
               
               
                   
                 Residing within 
                 Permit Number 
                 one side 
                 Vehicle 
               
               
                   
                 Municipality&#39;s 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Borders 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fuel 
                 To Dispense 
                 Address 
                 None 
                 Placed on 
               
               
                 Dispensing 
                 Accurate 
                 City Name 
                   
                 Dispensing 
               
               
                   
                 (Inspected) 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                 Mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 Amounts of 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fuel within 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Municipality&#39;s 
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Borders 
                 Issuing Body 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Contact 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Info. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Elevator 
                 To Safely 
                 Address 
                 Frame 
                 Placed in Frame 
               
               
                   
                 Operate 
                 City Name 
                   
                 on Elevator Wall 
               
               
                   
                 (Inspected) 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Elevator within 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Municipality&#39;s 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Borders 
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Issuing Body 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Contact 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Info. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Construction 
                 To Perform 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed at 
               
               
                   
                 Construction 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                 Construction Site 
               
               
                   
                 (New, Addition, 
                 Owner 
                 one side 
                 (In Window or on 
               
               
                   
                 Improvement) 
                 Contractor 
                   
                 Sign Advising of 
               
               
                   
                 within 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                 Construction) 
               
               
                   
                 Municipality&#39;s 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Borders 
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Issuing Body 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Contact 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Info. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Billboard 
                 To Display 
                 Location 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Place at Bottom or 
               
               
                   
                 Public 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                 on Back of 
               
               
                   
                 Advertisement 
                 Owner 
                 one side 
                 Billboard Stand 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Permit Number 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Issuing Body 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Contact 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Info. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Portable 
                 To Safely 
                 Location 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed inside Unit 
               
               
                 Toilets 
                 Operate a 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Healthy Facility 
                 Service 
                 one side 
                   
               
               
                   
                 within 
                 Provider-Owner 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Municipality&#39;s 
                 User/Customer 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Borders 
                 Permit Number 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Issuing Body 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and Contact 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Info. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Newspaper 
                 To Conduct 
                 Address 
                 Protective Pocket 
                 Placed on 
               
               
                 Stands 
                 Business at a 
                 City Name 
                 with adhesive on 
                 Conspicuous 
               
               
                   
                 Certain 
                 Permit Number 
                 one side 
                 Location on Stand 
               
               
                   
                 Location 
                 &amp; Date 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Term/Period 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Valid 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The handheld device  400  is preferably a small computer carried by an authorized remote user. It is the method used to gather information in the field by the inspector, such as a policeman, village employee, etc. The device  400  includes several components, that being a power source  401 , such as a battery, a means to enter data (a reader and keyboard)  402 , an internal clock  404 , a memory  406 , a GPS locator  408 , a camera  410 , a monitor or screen  412 , and a printer  414  or preferably a wireless connection  416  to a printer  414  having a wireless communication means  418 . 
     One or more methods can be employed to enter the necessary data into the remote handheld device  400 . The preferred means is an RFID reader  420 . The reader  420  is capable of reading passive RFID tags  102  in the field. A keyboard  412  may also be provided for entering additional data as may be necessary. 
     In particular, three items are inputted into the remote handheld device  400 , that being an authorization code, the permit information, and the time and date. The user&#39;s authorization code and the date and time can be entered on a keyboard provided on the handheld device  400 . However, the preferred method of entering such data is by a reader  420  associated with the handheld device  400 . The reader  420  can read the tags  102 , such as passive RFID tags. The user/inspector can thus have an identification RFID card with the necessary authorization codes thereon to activate the device  400  and to operate and use the device  400  once the reader  420  reads the authorization information. Similarly, the reader  420  can read the information provided on the permit, such as a license plate number, a home address, a business address, etc. The date and time can be entered automatically by an internal clock  404  in the device  400 . 
     A internal clock  404  is provided to document the time certain events occur, such as the reading, gathering and/or entering of information associated with reading the permit, the date/time of a photograph, and the date/time a citation is entered or printed, etc. The clock  404  is an internal mechanism stamping the memory of the event (permit reading, photograph, GPS locating, citation issuance) with the date and time of the event. 
     The device  400  includes a screen or monitor  412  for displaying information read and received. The device  40  also includes a wireless connection or link (Bluetooth)  416  to a mobile printer  414 . The device  400  can then display or print information obtained by the reader  420  in the device  400  relating to the tag  102  or generated by the device  400  and relating to a citation. In the alternative, the printer  414  need not be mobile, but can be used at a central location  500  so that when the device  400  is downloaded at a central location  500  (such as the police station or city hall) through conventional means, information read by it or citations generated by it can be printed out. 
     An optional camera  410  and/or GPS locator  408  may also be provided in the handheld device  400  to document both what is seen visually by the remote user and to identify the location of the remote user. 
     Once the data has been entered or citation processed, the entry or issuance can be confirmed by digital or physical signature. The device  400  can have a touch screen for recording a signature by the inspector. In the alternative, the inspector&#39;s authorization card can be read once more or drawn from the device&#39;s memory  406  to confirm the inspector&#39;s identity and authorization relating to the entry of information or issuance of a citation. 
     As noted, biographically and permit information is obtained from an applicant for the permit and stored in the tag  102 . For trash, refuse and recyclables this information will also include time period of permit (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, etc.), number of containers, location of containers (address), type of containers (e.g., size), and hauler information (identity, contact information, pick-up schedule, etc.). A permit, in this case—an RFID tag  102 —is issued by the authorized body. The RFID tag  102  will typically have identifying indicia thereon such as address of containers, and possibly types and/or size of containers. The RFID tag  102  has an adhesive thereon or is placed into a protective pouch (having a transparent cover, with an adhesive on an outwardly facing surface). The RFID tag  102  is then adhered to the outer container wall in a designated location. 
     A remote, authorized user, typically a government or third party inspector enters an authorization code by typing it in or reading it (or it is automatically drawn from memory  406  and the initial sign-on/authorization), on her handheld device  400 . When at the remote location, the inspector then reads the RFID tag  102  (the permit information contained thereon) with the handheld device  400 . The display  412  (or pint-out) will then display the necessary information for the inspector to make a determination as to whether the permit is in compliance or whether there is a violation. Such violations can include, among others, the permit is outdated and expired, the containers  100  of the permit are not the same as those being used, the containers  100  are constantly and consistently overflowed meaning they are undersized, the containers  100  are damaged and have not been properly maintained, the containers  100  are missing lids/covers, the containers  100  are in an improper location, the containers  100  do not have a permit, and/or the hauler has not made the necessary and scheduled pick-ups of recyclables and/or refuse. Of course, one of the primary purposes of issuing citations is to force compliance with rules, regulations and ordinances to maintain properly sized, safe equipment. 
     If desired, to document or corroborate the violation, the inspector can take a photograph of the scene with a camera  410  built-into or associated with the handheld device  400  and obtain the GPS location of the scene with a GPS locate  408  built-into or associated with the handheld device  400 . This documentation stored in memory  406  can accompany the citation or merely be kept in memory  406  (on the handheld device or at a central database  502  at the central station  500 ) as back-up. It is preferred to have such documentation accompany and be part of the citation. 
     Once a violation has been determined, the inspector can issue or process a citation. This can be accomplished many ways. One way is to use the information read from the tag  102  and in the memory  406  of the handheld device  400  and entering the necessary information associated with the violation. The citation can then be stored in the memory  406  of the device  400  and formally issued later via mail or similar once the inspector&#39;s tour is completed. In the alternative, the device  400  can include a wireless link  416  to a mobile printer  414  for printing the citation and giving it or leaving it with the responsible party (business owner, individual, etc.). The violation and citation records can further be stored in the device&#39;s memory  406  for downloading later for documenting the citation, record keeping, tracking and follow-up. If the device  400  was used to take a picture and/or obtain location information, that information can also be attached or used with the issued citation as confirmatory information and supporting documentation. 
     It should be recognized that while the handheld device  400  is discussed as being carried by an inspector, it can also be mounted on a vehicle. As a result, the tag-permit can also be read by an RFID or similar reader mounted to a mobile vehicle. In some instances, this may prove to be more efficient. 
     The above describes a system wherein the tag-permit  102  and handheld device  400  are the primary components and virtually the sole components of the system. In an alternative device, the device  400  includes a communications module  416  to communicate with a central station  500  having a central database  502  and the tag-permit  102  has encoded information thereon for directing the central station  500  to make a determination of whether there is a violation and a citation should be issued. 
     Briefly, while the tag  102  acts as the permit, it merely includes identifying information encoded therein. As before, it may also have identifying indicia thereon such as time period involved, address and municipality&#39;s identity and possibly the owner&#39;s identity. Again, a mounting component  104 , such as a pouch, can be used also. 
     The registration information, instead of being stored on the permit, is stored in a memory  504  associated with the central station  500 . The central database  502  is housed and maintained at the central location  500  such as a police station, village hall, county office or state agency, or third party service provider. Some, if not all of the information is obtainable by and from an authorized remote user. The central database  502  is maintained on a system, such as on a computer  506 , that can receive queries and transmit select information automatically or by pointed requests. As a result and by way of example, a policeman may access the database  502  and request certain vehicle and owner information by entering a license plate number or by specific inquiry prompted by reading the RFID-permit. 
     A communication module  508  is associated with the central station  500  allowing data or information to be received from one or more remote handheld devices  400  and information to be transmitted to one or more remote handheld devices  400 . 
     Housed with the central station  500  is look-up and/or comparison software  510  capable of receiving information from the handheld device  400 , polling/querying the memory  504  associated with the central station  500 , and if necessary, making a comparison and generating a report or result of the comparison made. The information polled/looked up or generated by a comparison is then sent to the remote handheld device  400 . 
     Specifically, the information obtained from the handheld device  400 , such as a license plate entered into the remote handheld device  400  or by reading the tag  102  with an RFID reader  420 , and received by the central station  500  will be looked-up or compared with the information accessed from the central database  502 . The individual operating the remote device  400  can then determine whether a violation has occurred (such as when the looked-up data shows the permit has expired). Or, the database  502  comparison will then determine if the information obtained is the same as the information stored and/or determine whether a violation has occurred, such as the permit period paid for has lapsed. 
     The handheld device  400  is described above and is similar, except it further includes a communications module  416  for transmitting and receiving communications from the central station  500 . 
     As noted, biographically and permit information is obtained from an applicant and stored in memory in a central database  502 . A remote, authorized user, typically a policeman, government employee, or third party or government inspector, once authorized, reads the RFID-permit by the handheld device  400 . This information is transmitted to the central database  502  where, in turn, the database queries its memory for information necessary to determine if a violation occurred, such as the permits expiration or improper container size. A citation can then be issued. And printed a the handheld devise  400  or on a printer  512  at the central station  500   
     By way of example, with respect to vehicle stickers, a traffic control manager can read an RFID attached to a windshield and transmit the information to a central database  502 . The central database  502  then polls its memory  506  for information associated with that permit. The database or the manager in the field can then determine if the permit is expired or if the permit is associated with the correct vehicle. If a violation has occurred, the manager can issue a citation by printing a citation and attaching it to the car or transmitting the necessary information to the central database for printing and issuing (by mail) the citation. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20 - 22   , a method of deploying or redeploying multiple waste containers  100  in a waste collection system as described above. The general purpose of the method is to outfit waste containers  100  with radio frequency tags  102  in a manner that overcomes the drawbacks of current solutions. 
     Typically, waste containers  100  are produced with a unique optical alphanumeric identifier  600  conspicuously preprinted on a sidewall panel of the container  100 , and the radio frequency tags  102  have a unique radio frequency identifier  604  (the identifier is visible on the drawings to illustrate the existence of thereof) stored thereon. The optical identifier  600  may be associated with a waste container user information  608 , such as a name, address, user identifier number, account number, etc., or may require such an association during deployment. 
     A handheld computer  612  for use in the method has an optical character recognition reader  616  for reading the optical identifier  600  from the waste container  100  and a communications module for receiving the radio frequency identifier  604  from the radio frequency tag  102 . In  FIG.  21   , the handheld computer  612  has converted the optical identifier  600  and the radio frequency identifier  604  to an electronic format and associated both with user information  608 . The user information  608  can be stored at the external site  300 , on the server  302  or other computer  304 , either of which can electronically access the database  306  having user information stored therein. The user information  608  can also be stored on the memory on the handheld computer  612 . 
       FIG.  22    shows the handheld computer  612  in communication with the external site  300  discussed above. Software routines or modules are executable to create entries in a database  306  corresponding to an association between the optical identifiers  600 , the radio frequency identifiers  604 , and the user information data  608 . The paired or matched information is stored on the database  306  for future use consistent with the principles discussed above. The software modules may be store in the memory of the handheld computer  612  and executable therefrom or stored at the external site  300  and downloadable or executable therefrom. 
     According to invention, the optical character recognition reader  616  is aimed at the waste container  100  which has the unique optical waste container identifier  600  printed thereon. The unique waste container optical identifier  600  is read using the optical character recognition reader  616 . An executable software routine or module stored in the handheld computer converts the unique waste container optical identifier  600  to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  stored on the radio frequency emitting tag  102  is associated with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag  102  is attached to the waste container  102 . 
     For example, the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier is stored on the optical character recognition reader  616 . 
     For example, the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  is read from the radio frequency emitting tag  102 . 
     For example, a software module for associating the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier stored on the optical character recognition reader  616  is activated. The software module may be stored on the memory of the handheld computer  612  or accessible from the external site  300 . 
     For example, a software module for associating the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  with personal user data  608  of a user of the waste container  100  is activated. The software module may be stored on the memory of the handheld computer  612  or accessible from the external site  300 . 
     For example, a software module for generating a unique database entry comprising the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  and the personal user data  608  associated therewith may be activated. The software module may be stored on the memory of the handheld computer  612  or accessible from the external site  300 . 
     For example, the optical character recognition reader  616  and the radio frequency signal identifier reader for reading the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  from the radio frequency emitting tag  102  are included on the handheld computer  612 . 
     For example, the association of the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier is performed by a software module executed on the handheld computer  612 . 
     For example, the handheld computer s used to transmit the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  and the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier associated therewith to an external site  300 , preferably a central server  302  and/or computer  304 . 
     For example, the waste container  100  having the unique optical waste container identifier  600  pre-printed thereon is distributed to the user of the waste container. 
     In another embodiment, the optical character recognition reader  616  capable of reading the unique optical waste container identifier  600  printed on the waste container is provided. The reader  616  is capable of converting the unique optical waste container identifier  600  to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag  102  with the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604  is also provided. A software routine or module for associates the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier with the radio frequency emitting tag identifier  604 . A further software routine or module associates the radio frequency signal identifier  604  with personal information data  608  associated with a user of the waste container  100 . A further software routine or module compiles a database comprising the personal information data  608  associated with the user of the waste container  100 , the unique radio frequency signal identifier  604 , and unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. 
     For example, the radio frequency emitting tag reader reads the radio frequency signal identifier  604  on the radio frequency emitting tag  102 . 
     For example, the handheld computer  612  includes the radio frequency emitting tag reader and the optical character recognition reader  616 . 
     For example, the software routine or module for associating the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier with the radio frequency emitting tag identifier  604  is stored in the memory located on the handheld computer  612  and is executable thereon. 
     For example, the software routine or module for associating the radio frequency signal identifier  604  with personal information data  608  associated with the user of the waste container  100  is stored in the memory located on the handheld computer  612 . 
     While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.