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.

A 3 in 1 reverse vending machine. A vending machine that is solar powered and accepts bottles and cans made of plastic, aluminum, and glass. The machine includes a conveyor system, barcode reader and cleaning system, this prepares the bottle and cans to be shredded and then granulated into small pieces. The machine houses a delivery system that carries the smaller pieces of processed material to its predetermined receptacle for storage. Each bottle and can has a monetary value once received by the machine that will be issued to the user once all bottles and cans are received and calculated per user per transaction.

The sorting waste receptacle sorts and temporarily stores differing types of waste items. The sorting waste receptacle includes a hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and at least one sidewall. The top wall has an opening formed therein for depositing a waste item, and a lower interior portion of the hollow housing is divided into a plurality of separate compartments, each compartment corresponding to a different type of waste. When the waste item is inserted through the opening formed in the top wall, the waste item is temporarily held within a movable chute inside the hollow housing. While in the chute, the waste item is weighed by a scale and at least one sensor determines its composition. Based on the composition of the waste item, the chute is moved above the corresponding one of the separate compartments for dispensing of the waste item therein.

The sorting waste receptacle sorts and temporarily stores differing types of waste items. The sorting waste receptacle includes a hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and at least one sidewall. The top wall has an opening formed therein for depositing a waste item, and a lower interior portion of the hollow housing is divided into a plurality of separate compartments, each compartment corresponding to a different type of waste. When the waste item is inserted through the opening formed in the top wall, the waste item is temporarily held within a movable chute inside the hollow housing. While in the chute, the waste item is weighed by a scale and at least one sensor determines its composition. Based on the composition of the waste item, the chute is moved above the corresponding one of the separate compartments for dispensing of the waste item therein.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.

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.

An apparatus includes solar panels. The apparatus includes a battery system. The top surface of the battery system attaches to a bottom surface of the solar panels, and a bottom surface of the battery system has blocks that fit through apertures within the grooves of a dumpster lid. The apparatus includes a sensor system. The sensor system is attached to a bottom surface of the battery system, and a top surface of the sensor system has a corrugated design that fits into the bottom surface of the battery system. The apparatus includes a microprocessor. The microprocessor sends electronic information to a computing device. The electronic information includes one or more electronic images, and distance information between a top surface of garbage within a dumpster and a bottom surface of the sensor system.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles. The system first receives data associated with a storage receptacle configured to communicate with the system via a network, wherein the data is received from a server storing information transmitted by the storage receptacle, the storage receptacle having an energy storage for powering operational functions performed by the storage receptacle. The system then identifies a parameter of the storage receptacle associated with an operational function of the storage receptacle, and transmits a signal to the storage receptacle for modifying the parameter based on the data associated with the storage receptacle to yield a modified operation of the storage receptacle.

Disclosed are a module apparatus for garbage collection and an operation method for the module apparatus. A module apparatus for garbage collection, according to the present invention, comprises: a case which is provided so as to be attached to a garbage receptacle and has a first hole on the lower end; an integrated circuit module which is accommodated inside the case; a battery for supplying power to the integrated circuit module; and a sensor unit which is electrically connected to the integrated circuit module and is for sensing the volume of garbage accumulated inside the garbage receptacle, wherein the first hole is aligned with a second hole formed on the garbage receptacle and the detection unit detects the volume of the garbage through the first and second holes.

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.