Patent Description:
A method and a system as known in the art are described in document <CIT>. The known method uses a handling system in which RFID tags are delivered from a waste handling centre to users, wherein the RFID tags contain information about the user or the refuse. The waste handling system also comprises a disposal point for waste material contained in bags, onto which said RFID tags are applied. A sensor of the disposal point reads the tags and transmits the information to a control unit of the waste handling system. Thanks to said information, a collection route can be planned and an amount of waste discharged can be predicted. The waste is collected by means of collection trucks which can be equipped with weighing means for the collected waste.

The invention relates generally to waste handling and more particularly to waste sorting and waste transport management and the optimization of waste transport.

Nowadays it is typical, e.g. in respect of household waste, that households use as waste bags different bags, sacks or carrier bags, in which waste is placed. For example, in Finland it is normal to use plastic carrier bags from shops, in which shopping has been carried home, as waste bags. Wastes are carried in plastic carrier bags to a waste bin, into which typically the bag, and its contents, closed with a knot is placed. The wastes are transported onwards by garbage truck for further processing. In modern systems one disadvantage, among others, is that the sorting of wastes is awkward. It is often possible that users do not bother to sort wastes into different allotments, but instead mix all wastes in the same waste bag or waste bin. In this case mixed waste is produced, the reclamation of which is difficult.

Also known in the art are solutions for sorting waste, in which solutions different types of waste are arranged to be transported in different containers, such as in waste bags or bins of different colors. For example, households place different types of wastes in waste bags of different colors. A waste bag of a specific color is specified for each type of waste. Wastes are transported e.g. in a normal garbage truck to a waste center, where the wastes are sorted into different allotments on the basis of the colors of the waste bags. The sorting of waste optically is described in <CIT> drawback here is that there must be waste bags separately arranged for the purpose for each waste type to be sorted. Another drawback is also the uncertainty of operation of the automatic optical sorting apparatus used in sorting the waste bags in a dirty environment. The sorting of waste is described in <CIT>.

On the one hand, nothing guarantees that a waste producer, such as a household, will use a waste bag of the correct color for each type of waste. It is difficult to get misusers of the system to change their habits. On the other hand, identifying or tracing a misuser after the event is almost impossible.

Furthermore, it is typical when using plastic carrier bags or plastic bags as waste bags that the knot made in the bag, e.g. from the carrying handles, opens, in which case the wastes can spread freely during transportation to outside the bag. This makes the transport vehicle, the waste bin and/or other waste bags dirty on the outside, hampering the sorting process and also forming a hygiene problem. The waste bags end up nowadays, with the waste they contain, at a landfill site, which is a considerable problem.

Also known in the art are systems for managing waste transport and for receiving more waste transport information, wherein the waste bins emptied into a garbage truck are provided with electronically readable identifiers. In this case information about which waste bins have been emptied is received and the information transferred to an information system. The routes and visits of garbage trucks are, however, mainly based on regular schedules and it has not been possible to optimize transports well enough.

The aim of the invention is to achieve a new type of solution, by means of which the problems of prior art can be avoided.

The invention is based on a concept wherein wastes, more particularly waste bags, are provided with an RFID identifier and the waste space, in which waste bins are situated, are provided with a sensor that reads the information of the waste, more particularly of the RFID identifier of the waste bag. The information read by the sensor is transmitted to a control system.

The method of the invention is as disclosed in claim <NUM>.

The method of the invention may also comprise the features of claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The waste transport system of the invention is as disclosed in claim <NUM>.

The waste transport system of the invention may also comprise the features of claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The solution according to the invention has a number of important advantages. By using a closing means according to the invention, it is ensured that on the one hand waste bags, waste carrier bags, waste sacks or corresponding stay closed in transportation, and also the operation of the system, such as more effective sorting than earlier, can be controlled by means of an RFID identifier. Arranging an RFID identifier in a closing means enables the use of any bag, carrier bag, sack, or corresponding whatsoever in waste transport and does not require separate transport containers specially intended for certain waste allotments. According to the invention, a reader of an RFID identifier is in connection with a waste disposal point, preferably in connection with a waste room. In this case only one disposal point can be conveniently used for different materials in connection with the waste transport system, in which case wastes are sorted in the system later, e.g. in a waste center, a sorting center or corresponding, into different allotments according to an RFID identifier. At the same time, feeding waste material without an RFID identifier according to the invention into a disposal point of the system can if necessary be prevented, e.g. by arranging the door of the waste room to open only by means of an RFID identifier.

An RFID identifier can be used to register the amount of waste brought by a certain user, in which case invoicing principles can be changed. On the other hand, a user can be rewarded for sorting waste, e.g. by reducing the waste transport fees of waste that is fit for recycling.

According to a typical embodiment, the closing means is a sticker tape, which is an RFID sticker tape of the color of the waste allotment, which sticker tape also comprises e.g. a text identifier according to the type of waste. In addition, an identification number or other identifier, which is separately specified according to each household, housing company or company that produces waste, or according to each other waste producer, can be formed for a closing means and/or for an RFID identifier. A closing means can also comprise a picture or drawing of the waste type in connection with which the closing means in question is intended to be used.

The invention can thus be utilized by using the ordinary plastic carrier bags of a shop, which are closed with a closing means according to the invention. The carrier bag is filled with waste and closed by knotting its carrying loops. A typical way is to tie at first one knot, after which a closing means, preferably a sticker tape, is placed on top of the knot, and fixed over the knot of the carrier bag. After that a second knot is made with the carrying loops. The RFID identifier in this case remains partly protected and avoids transport damage. The closing means according to the invention also prevents the opening of the knots of the waste bag.

In the waste sorting center to which the waste bags are transported with garbage trucks, the waste bags are sorted into different waste allotments on the basis of the information given by the RFID identifiers. After this the waste bags are ripped open and the bags are removed from the rest of the waste. In this case it is possible to avoid bags ending up at a landfill site. The material of the bags can be recycled and reused. The RFID identifier of the closing means according to the invention can still be used as a verification, by the aid of a reader means, that the waste bags have been removed from the sorted waste allotment.

A dedicated closing means comprising an RFID identifier is arranged for each waste allotment. Recyclable paper, for instance, is handled in a corresponding manner. In this case paper, such as newspapers, is placed in a bag and it is closed with a closing means according to the invention, which closing means comprises an RFID identifier.

The closing means according to the invention can be supplied as a web comprising a number of closing means, e.g. arranged into a roll. This type of closing means roll preferably comprises a cutting point between each two consecutive closing means. Cutting the closing means can be facilitated by arranging perforation or corresponding in the roll to facilitate detaching a closing means from the roll. The closing means according to the invention can be supplied as sheet comprising a number of closing means. This type of closing means sheet comprises a cutting point between each adjacent closing means. A closing means sheet preferably comprises a base part, which protects the adhesive surface of the closing means. Perforation or corresponding is preferably formed in the base part of the closing means to facilitate detaching a closing means from the sheet. Typically there is a cut between closing means, which extends to the base part from the surface of the closing means, but not through the base part. In this case the closing means are easy to detach from the closing means sheet.

By using closing means according to the invention, the operation of the waste transport system can be optimized more accurately than earlier.

An RFID identifier can also report the filling degree of a waste bin or of a waste disposal point. In this case the transportation of waste can be optimized. Transport is performed only if the filling degree is exceeded. This saves energy and reduces emissions. An RFID identifier can also report the contents of waste. If the waste contains something decomposable, a collection can be requested for the location. An RFID identifier can also give a temperature alarm, i.e. a fire alarm. An RFID identifier can also report when waste has been put into a waste bin and into which waste bin, in which case in which case information about waste quantities, types and trends is obtained.

Using a closing means according to the invention has the advantage that, in normal waste transport, waste containers of only a single type are needed, and only one garbage truck collects them instead of <NUM>-<NUM> trucks. It is also advantageous if all wastes, such as mixed waste, biowaste, glass waste, metal waste and paper waste, are placed into a bag. In this case the allotments stay clean and their transportation is easier. The bag is automatically removed in a sorting center.

The invention can be applied according to one preferred embodiment so that dedicated closing means, which comprise RFID identifiers, are supplied to each household or other waste-producing community or corresponding. This assists sorting. In addition, by means of the combination of the closing means and RFID identifier according to the invention, it is easy to demonstrate where the costs of the waste handling system are generated. Fees can be allocated to waste producers more accurately than earlier.

According to one preferred embodiment, households have a fixed waste charge and receive a credit for each waste bag sorted in a sorting center. Based on the automatic reading of RFID identifiers, the system can allocate the sorted wastes by means of an information system so that the credit goes to the correct target.

Sorting in a sorting center on the basis of an RFID identifier is very easy, as also is identification of a household. Arranging an RFID identifier in a closing means thus gives numerous opportunities in waste sorting.

In the following, the invention will be described in detail by the aid of some embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:.

A producer of waste, such as a household, company or other community, pre-sorts the wastes that it brings into waste bags <NUM> and provides each bag <NUM> containing a sortable waste type with a closing means <NUM> comprising an RFID identifier <NUM> according to the type of waste. The types of waste can be e.g. mixed waste, biowaste, paper, glass, metal, cardboard, hazardous waste, etc. There is a dedicated closing means for each type of sortable waste, i.e. waste allotment, in which closing means the type of waste the closing means in question is intended for can be visually seen or otherwise sensed. In addition, the closing means comprises a customer code or corresponding, which is individual to each waste-producer community, such as to a household, company or other community. The corresponding information is coded into the memory of the RFID identifier.

A waste producer, such as a household, takes a waste bag provided with a closing means according to the waste type to a disposal point of the system, such as to a waste bin B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 situated in a waste room WR1, WR2, WR3. In the disposal point, such as in a waste room, is a sensor S1, S2, S3, i.e. a reader of an RFID identifier, which reads the information, or at least a part of the information, of the RFID identifier of the closing means of each waste bag brought to the disposal point. The sensor S1, S2, S3 is preferably of a type that is able to read the information in the memory of an RFID identifier <NUM> remotely from a sufficiently long distance.

Information from a sensor S1, S2, S3 of a disposal point is transmitted e.g. to the control system CS, typically to a database, of the system, on the basis of which information the filling degree of the waste bins of each disposal point, i.e. waste room or corresponding, is known, e.g. on the basis of the number of waste bags of a waste type.

In <FIG> the filling degree of the waste bins of the waste rooms WR1, WR2, WR3 are marked in simplified form with black color. The larger the part of a bin is black in color, the fuller the bin is.

<FIG> presents a disposal point, such as the space of a waste room WR1, of the system in more detail. The waste room comprises a number of waste bins B1-B6, into which the wastes or recyclable materials placed into waste bags <NUM> are brought. When bringing into the waste room, or at regular intervals, the sensor S1, i.e. the reader of an RFID identifier, reads the information, or a part of it, that is in the memory of the RFID identifier <NUM> of the closing means <NUM> of the waste bag <NUM>. The information is transmitted from the sensor <NUM> to the database of the control system, on the basis of which the control system CS estimates, among other things, the filling degree of the waste bins B1-B6 of the waste room. In addition, the control system is therefore aware of, among other things, the amount of waste bags of each waste allotment in the waste room. <FIG> presents as an example a number of waste bags <NUM> in a first waste bin B1. The filling degree of the second waste bin B2 and of the third waste bin B3 is high, approx. <NUM>%, and they are almost full. The filling degree of the fourth waste bin B4 is approx. The filling degree of the fifth waste bin B5 is approx. The sixth waste bin B6 is empty.

Information from the sensors S1, S2, S3 can be transmitted to the control system CS wirelessly or by wireline, using data transfer methods and systems that are in themselves prior art.

The connection can also be bidirectional, in which case information coming from the sensors S1, S2, S3 can be saved in the memory of an RFID identifier <NUM>. In this case the sensor S1, S2, S3 is not just a reading device but instead is a reading/transmission device.

Since there is information in the control system CS about the situation of each waste disposal point, such as about the filling degree of the bins B1-B6 of the waste rooms WR1, WR2, WR3, about the quantities of the different types of wastes in the disposal point in question, about the time when each waste bag <NUM> was left in the disposal point, by means of the system the waste transport vehicles, such as garbage trucks V1, can be controlled more accurately than earlier. In addition, the waste transport can be optimized in many advantageous ways.

The control system CS can transmit the necessary information to a terminal device T1 of a transport vehicle or of the driver of a transport vehicle. The information is typically transmitted, in ways that are in themselves prior art, wirelessly from the control system to the terminal device T1. The data transmission in <FIG> is described in a simplified way.

A garbage truck V1 collects wastes from a disposal point, e.g. by emptying the containers into the transport container of the garbage truck. On the basis of the information in the control system CS, it is known accurately in advance which waste types and how much of the wastes is in each disposal point. In this case it is accurately known which wastes have been placed into which garbage truck for transportation. On the one hand, use of the transport space of a garbage truck can be optimized. Since it is known to what extent there is space left in a transport vehicle, it is possible to visit and collect from a disposal point in the neighborhood of the location point of the garbage truck an amount to supplement the load, which amount is known by the control system and which still fits into the load of the garbage truck. In this case, on the one hand, the distance traveled by a garbage truck V1 and also the transport space in use can be optimized. On the other hand, a transport route can be optimized, because there is no need to go and empty the waste bins B1-B6 or the bins of a certain waste type if they are very unfilled, when it is known that at some disposal point there are no wastes or very little of them.

An RFID identifier can thus also report the filling degree of a waste bin or of a waste disposal point. In this case the transportation of waste can be optimized. Transport is performed only if the filling degree is exceeded. This saves energy and reduces emissions. An RFID identifier can also report the contents of waste. If the waste contains some waste that needs transport quickly, e.g. decomposable, etc., a collection can be requested for the location, under the control of the control system. An RFID identifier can also give a temperature alarm, i.e. a fire alarm. An RFID identifier can comprise information on when waste has been placed into a waste bin and into which waste bin, in which case information about waste quantities, types and trends is obtained.

According to one preferred embodiment, in normal waste transport only a single type of waste containers is needed and only one garbage truck collects them instead of <NUM>-<NUM> trucks. It is also advantageous if all wastes, such as mixed waste, biowaste, glass waste, metal waste and paper waste, are placed into a bag. In this case the allotments stay clean and their transportation is easier. The bag is automatically removed in a sorting center.

<FIG> presents a waste bag <NUM>, to which a closing means <NUM> is fixed, which closing means is provided with an RFID identifier <NUM>. The closing means <NUM> is arranged in the embodiment of the figure over the knot <NUM> formed in the waste bag <NUM>, in which case it prevents opening of the knot <NUM> during transportation. The knot <NUM> is formed e.g. by knotting the carrying loops <NUM> of the bag <NUM>. The closing means <NUM> comprises an adhesive surface on the side against the outer surface of the bag <NUM>, in which case it sticks to the outer surface of the bag.

The closing means in the case comprises a base part, onto which the RFID identifier <NUM> is arranged in a manner that is, in itself, known in the art. The base is preferably sticker laminate or corresponding, which can easily be fixed to the waste bag easily owing to the adhesive surface. The RFID identifier comprises a memory part (chip) and an antenna part. The RFID identifier is preferably a passive RFID identifier, in which case it does not need its own power source.

Alternatively, the closing means <NUM> can be used as a conventional closer of the mouth part of a waste sack, by winding it tightly around the mouth part. If so desired, the mouth part can still be knotted or provided with an additional closer.

<FIG> presents one preferred embodiment of a closing means <NUM>. In addition to an RFID identifier <NUM>, the closing means <NUM> is also provided with other identifiers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment of the figure the closing means comprises a text marking <NUM>, which expresses in words the type of waste for which the closing means in question is intended. The verbal marking <NUM> can be made in a number of different languages. A color code <NUM> is formed on the surface of the closing means <NUM>, which color code can be a part of the area of the closing means or the size of the whole closing means. In addition, the closing means <NUM> can comprise a picture code or drawing code <NUM>, which expresses the type of waste for which the closing means is intended. The closing means can comprise a customer code <NUM>, which expresses the waste-producer
community, such as a household, company or community. The customer code <NUM> is typically alphanumeric information. Furthermore, the closing means can comprise a barcode <NUM> or other visible graphical code. Furthermore, the closing means of waste groups intended for recycling can comprise a code descriptive of recycling. In addition, the closing means <NUM> can comprise the information or advertisements of a manufacturer or marketer. Furthermore, the closing means can comprise the name or other identifier of a local waste management company or community.

<FIG> presents a closing means sheet <NUM> of one type of waste, which closing means sheet comprises a number of closing means <NUM>. The closing means <NUM> of a closing means sheet can be detached according to need, e.g. individually.

<FIG> presents some examples of different closing means 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, <NUM>, which are intended for closing waste bags containing different types of waste. The embodiment in <FIG> presents a closing means 2a intended for mixed waste, a closing means 2b intended for metal, a closing means 2c intended for cardboard waste, a closing means 2d intended for biowaste, a closing means 2e intended for hazardous waste, a closing means 2f intended for paper, and a closing means <NUM> intended for glass. Also other waste materials can be marked with their own identifiers according to need.

The combination according to the invention of a closing means <NUM> and an RFID identifier <NUM> can be utilized in connection with a waste transport system e.g. as follows. Closing means according to the invention, i.e. combinations of a closing means and an RFID identifier, are distributed or otherwise delivered to households or other waste producers. The RFID identifier comprises the code or corresponding identifier of each waste producer, with which code a producer of waste can if necessary be identified. According to one preferred embodiment the closing means <NUM> comprises an identification code, such as a color code, according to which the closing means is used in the system in the manner agreed in connection with each sorted waste bag. The color code can be the size of the whole closing means or a pattern or text. It is conceivable that a color code of a certain color is defined for mixed waste, a second color code for biowaste, correspondingly own color codes for recyclable materials. In this case users equip a waste bag comprising a certain type of waste with a closing means that comprises a corresponding color code.

In this way the waste bag wanted by the user can be used in connection with any different waste allotment whatsoever, and a waste producer marks a waste bag only with a color code of a closing means and RFID identifier according to the invention. According to the invention, the RFID identifier also already contains the waste type in connection with which it is used.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a reader of an RFID identifier can be in connection with a lid or a hatch of a waste bin or of a waste disposal point, which allows feeding only the waste intended for the waste bin or waste disposal point in question into the bin in question. Only one disposal point can in this case be conveniently used for different materials, in which case the system sorts waste into different allotments later according to an RFID identifier. At the same time, supplying waste material without an RFID identifier according to the invention into a disposal point of the system can also be prevented.

An RFID identifier can be used to register the amount of waste bought by a certain user, in which case invoicing principles can be changed. On the other hand, a user can be rewarded for sorting waste, e.g. by reducing the waste transport fee of waste that is fit for recycling.

According to a typical embodiment, the closing means is a closing sticker tape, which is an RFID sticker tape of the color of the waste allotment, which sticker tape comprises e.g. a text identifier according to the type of waste. In addition, an identification number or other identifier, which is separately specified according to each household, housing company, company other waste producer that produces waste, can be formed for a closing means and/or RFID identifier.

The invention can thus be utilized by using the ordinary plastic carrier bags of a shop, which are closed with a closing means <NUM> according to the invention. The carrier bag is filled with waste and closed by knotting its carrying loops. A typical way is to tie at first one knot, after which a closing means, preferably a sticker tape, is placed on top of the knot, and fixed over the knot of the carrier bag. After that a second knot is made with the carrying loops. The RFID identifier in this case remains partly protected and avoids transport damage. The closing means according to the invention also prevents the opening of the knots of the waste bag.

In the waste sorting center to which the waste bags are transported with conventional garbage trucks, the waste bags are sorted into different waste allotments on the basis of the information given by the RFID identifiers <NUM>. After this the waste bags <NUM> are ripped open and the bags are removed from the rest of the waste. The RFID identifier of the closing means according to the invention can still be used as a verification by the aid of a reader means that the waste bags have been removed from the sorted waste allotments.

The invention can be applied according to one preferred embodiment so that dedicated closing means, which comprise RFID identifiers, are supplied to each household. This assists sorting. In addition, by means of the combination of a closing means and RFID identifier according to the invention, it is easy to demonstrate where the costs of the waste handling system are generated. Fees can be allocated to waste producers more accurately than earlier.

According to one preferred embodiment, households have a fixed waste charge and receive a credit for each waste bag sorted in a sorting center. Based on the automatic reading of RFID identifiers, the system can allocate the sorted waste by means of an information system so that the credit goes to the correct target.

Sorting on the basis of an RFID identifier in a sorting center is very easy, as also is identification of a household. An RFID identifier gives numerous opportunities in waste sorting.

The use of an RFID identifier in connection with a pneumatic waste transport system is described in <CIT>. The use of an RFID identifier in the sorting of waste is presented in <CIT>.

Claim 1:
Method in a waste handling system, in which waste or recyclable material is transported in carrier bags, bags or sacks (<NUM>) to a disposal point, such as to at least one waste bin of a waste room (WR1, WR2, WR3), the carrier bags, bags and sacks (<NUM>) used in waste transport are placed into at least one waste bin (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) in the disposal point, such as in a waste room (WR1, WR2, WR3), and from there onwards by a transport vehicle for further processing,
wherein
a closing means (<NUM>) that is provided with an RFID identifier (<NUM>) according to the type of waste, wherein the corresponding information is coded into the memory of the RFID identifier, is used in closing the carrier bag, bag or sack (<NUM>), and wherein said disposal point comprises a sensor arranged in connection with it,
in which method said sensor (S1, S2, S3) reads the information from the RFID identifier, the information read from the RFID identifier by the sensor being transmitted to a control system (CS), which is fitted to control a waste transport system, or a part of it, on the basis of the information given by the RFID identifier, and that
in the method control data is transmitted from the control system (CS) to a terminal (T1) of one or more waste transport vehicles, such as of a garbage truck (V1), or of the driver of a transport vehicle and that from the disposal point information is transmitted, on the basis of which the filling degree of the at least one waste bin (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) of the disposal point, such as of a waste room (WR1, WR2, WR3), or the amount of a certain type of waste in the disposal point, such as in a waste room, can be determined.