The invention relates to a system for operating a refuse container, comprising a refuse container which has an electronic control device and a first communication interface for sending and receiving data, wherein a first data transfer to at least one further communication interface can be initiated via the first communication interface, said further communication interface being provided in at least one further communication device which is not associated with the refuse container, wherein a further data transfer between at least one internal device can be initiated via the first communication interface, wherein the first and the further data transfer are based on a wireless technology.

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 storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.

A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.

A method for a municipality to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles requires a permit for use of a waste receptacle. An issuing organization issues a permit associated with a discreet receptacle identifier. An RFID tag is provided with the permit and attached to a discreet receptacle. The RFID tag transmits a signal carrying data associated with the discreet receptacle identifier. The signal may be read by a portable reader carried by municipal personnel to record violations of municipal code associated with the use of the discreet receptacle.

Disclosed is a method of virtualizing access queues to machines for glass collection distributed throughout a territory. The distinction of management of requests for unloading full containers is based on the configuration of: the machine; the central server, remotely controlling queue management; the plant using glass coming from the collection to process it; and a fleet of trucks executing collection, following a path suggested by the data bank residing on the central server. In the method, the control center monitors availability of crushed glass at the machines, and demands for glass of a particular type by each production plant. If an emptying request arrives from a machine where one or more glass containment cells is filled, the control center reprocesses the updated paths for the fleet of trucks or transport vehicles and for unloading from the machine to the truck based on the contingent requests from each production plant.

An interactive waste receptacle combines a waste receptacle, a display device, a sensor, a camera, a speaker, and a variety of interactive media to receive and process waste, and perform an assortment of interactive functions in a public venue. The interactive waste receptacle detects events from a user, and responds to the events with interactive functions, including; receiving, compacting, and processing a waste; detecting proximal images, sounds, and smells; and displaying advertisements, text, graphics, animation, video, audio, and games. The waste receptacle receives and compacts the waste. A display device integrated with the waste receptacle displays images of advertising, messages, and pertinent information. A sensor detects events from the user. A camera records a user image. A speaker emits and receives audio signals to the user. Interactive media also record user events. The sensor, camera, speaker, and interactive media perform an interactive function in response to the event.

A smart-waste management system includes a hardware and software system to accumulate and monitor waste data. The hardware includes sensor arrangements that gather information and wirelessly sends it to the software program. A smart-waste bin comprises of fill, location, temperature, humidity, odor, pollution, and ambient light sensors. In addition to this, the disclosed invention provides area map with live statistics and feedback from the monitored waste bins, such as information regarding the location, waste bin information, active litter lookout volunteers and performance. Using this information, garbage collection routes are optimized, and residents are provided with an incentive to reduce litter.

A robotic drive system can be attached to a garbage container. A computing device can be configured to determine a travel path for the robotic drive system to travel to a location designated for garbage pickup. The computing device can be configured to cause the robotic drive system to move to be proximate to a location designated for garbage pickup.

A weight-measurement system for inclusion or use with a waste container includes scale devices in communication with a remote computer via a communications module. The scale devices can be provided by load cells for example load-pin load cells used as axles for wheels mounted to a base frame supporting the waste container so that the wheeled base frame serves as a scale platform for the waste container. The remote computer can be programmed to receive from the load cells, via the communications module, weight data representing the total weight of the waste container and its waste contents, then deduct the known weight of the waste container when empty, to determine the actual weight of the waste contained in the waste container. And the computer can be programmed for providing a notification if a preset waste weight limit is met or neared and automatically scheduling emptying by a waste-collection vehicle.