Devices, systems, and methods of garbage sorting and processing to encourage proper waste disposal are disclosed. An embodiments of the waste management and sorting system comprises a smart waste machine configured to receive waste from a user and place the waste in proper storage containers having first identifiers, a mobile application configured to run on a user device and communicatively coupled to the smart waste machine and/or the server device, and a conveyor system configured to sort and/or process waste once it is removed from the storage containers.

A trashcan assembly can include a body portion, a lid portion pivotably coupled with the body portion, and a sensor assembly configured to generate a signal when an object is detected within a sensing region. The sensor assembly can include a plurality of transmitters having a first subset of transmitters and a second subset of transmitters. A transmission axis of at least one transmitter in the first subset of transmitters can be different from a transmission axis of at least one of the transmitters in the second subset of transmitters. An electronic processor can generate an electronic signal to a power-operated drive mechanism for moving the lid portion from a closed position to an open position, such as in response to the sensor assembly detecting the object.

A system can include a processor and a computer-readable storage device storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations can include receiving an identification of a local device having a control module that manages a reader component and a locking mechanism and transmitting an authorized list to the local device that identifies authorized users that can gain access to the local device via the locking mechanism through interacting with the reader component. The control module on the local device can manage multiple functions of the local device including management of the reader component and the locking mechanism.

Waste chute devices and methods for using the same are provided. In some embodiments, a method for operating waste chutes comprises: receiving, using a hardware processor of a waste chute device, an identity associated with a user of the waste chute device; in response to receiving the identity associated with the user, allowing, using the hardware processor, a door of the waste chute device to be opened; determining, using the hardware processor, a number of items and at least one type associated with the items that have been placed in an opening of the waste chute device; determining, using the hardware processor, that the door of the waste chute device has been closed; updating, using the hardware processor, information associated with the user based on the number of items and the at least one type of items that have been placed in the opening of the waste chute device; and providing, using the hardware processor, the user with the updated information.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of waste collection, and particularly to techniques for requesting and controlling access to a waste collection point by using a mobile user device. The mobile user device is initially provided with a user ID that is granted permanent or temporary access rights to one or more hatches of one or more waste containers of the waste collection point. By using the user ID and a user input that comprises an indication of one or more of the waste containers to be accessed in the waste collection point at a given time instant, the mobile user device sends an access request to an access control system. In response to the access request, the access control system unlocks or opens the hatch(es) of the waste container(s) to be accessed, when the mobile user device is in the vicinity of the waste collection point. By so doing, it is possible to provide efficient access management for the waste collection point.

A pay-per-use receptacle, suitable for use in an attended or unattended manner, especially at a trash or waste disposal facility. The receptacle is a generally box-like enclosure, having a payment terminal for receiving a payment and an access door on the front surface for receiving a bag of material (such as trash) after a payment is made. The bag of material is placed on a generally horizontal surface of a rotatable bin, positioned immediately inside the access door. Upon closing the access door, the rotatable bin rotates, thereby moving the deposited bag to a discharge position above a chute guide. The bag is urged from the rotatable bin by the motion of the bin and gravity, and falls downwardly and outwardly through an opening in the rear of the receptacle, into an external bin, dumpster, or compactor. Also disclosed is an ornamental design for a pay-per-use receptacle, and a process for controlling the operations thereof.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

Waste chute devices and methods for using the same are provided. In some embodiments, a method for operating waste chutes comprises: receiving, using a hardware processor of a waste chute device, an identity associated with a user of the waste chute device; in response to receiving the identity associated with the user, allowing, using the hardware processor, a door of the waste chute device to be opened; determining, using the hardware processor, a number of items and at least one type associated with the items that have been placed in an opening of the waste chute device; determining, using the hardware processor, that the door of the waste chute device has been closed; updating, using the hardware processor, information associated with the user based on the number of items and the at least one type of items that have been placed in the opening of the waste chute device; and providing, using the hardware processor, the user with the updated information.

A method for enabling automated waste management is described. In one embodiment, data related to an event detected via a sensor coupled to a trash receptacle is received. A waste collection vehicle is configured to collect trash directly from the trash receptacle. The data related to the detected event is processed. A notification is generated based on the processing of the data. In some cases, a notification based on a determination of a volume of trash within the trash receptacle is generated, where the volume is determined via a ranging sensor. A notification is generated based on a determination of a weight of the trash within the trash receptacle, where the weight is determined via a load sensor.