Systems and methods of monitoring a characteristic of a waste container operation via a sensor node co-located with a waste container are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method performed by a first network node comprises receiving, by the first network node, from the sensor node, an image representing a perspective view of an interior of the container, the first network node being operable to estimate an available capacity of the container to hold waste based on that image so that a second network node is operable to schedule a task associated with the available capacity of the container, with the image being obtained by an optical sensor operationally coupled to the sensor node, with the sensor being disposed on a side or corner of the container and having a viewing angle towards an opposite side or corner of the container.

A secured smart container is disclosed for collecting green waste products including operational functions for collection, video surveillance and monitoring capacity. The secured smart container may include one or more programmable logic controllers. Operational functions are performed by electrical components including sensors to determine green waste deposits characteristics and contents. Operational functions are further adapted to send and receive data, operationally wirelessly, and configured and adapted to utilize solar derived electric power and, optionally, electric power from other sources. Embodiments provide constant 24 hour/7 days a week video surveillance and alert monitoring capabilities. Disclosed systems and methods also include collection and transportation of waste contents from the container to a processing subsystem. Additionally, disclosed systems may also include a monitoring system for monitoring the collection of green waste product, delivery of the same to the processing subsystem and tracking to and throughout final processing of the green waste product and handling personnel.

A monitoring system comprises a plurality of monitoring stations disposed in or associated with a respective rubbish bin housing or surround. Each monitoring station comprising an identifier, a sensor for monitoring the bin or a detectable quality of the environment in which the bin is located, a processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and a transmitter for transmitting the signal.

Garbage disposal apparatus (100) for receiving trays comprises a tray receiving means (200), a tray manipulating means (300), a receptacle for garbage disposal (400) and a tray storing means (500), assembled in a way that when garbage disposal apparatus (100) is in operation, the tray receiving means (200) receives a tray (110) which is transported to the tray manipulating means (300) which removes garbage from the tray (110) in the receptacle for garbage disposal (400) and afterwards the tray (110) is stored in the tray storing means (500). Here is disclosed a garbage disposal system (800) which comprises at least one garbage disposal apparatus (100) as described, at least one horizontal tunnel (810), at least one vertical tunnel (820) and at least one tray collecting means (830), arranged so that tray collecting means (830) travels within the horizontal tunnel (810) and is collecting trays (110) from the garbage disposal apparatus (100).

The present disclosure relates to a waste bin for waste paper products and other waste, the waste bin including a frame for supporting at least two, preferably exactly two, compartments; an upper compartment supported by the frame and configured to receive waste paper product, in particular, paper towels; and a lower compartment supported by the frame and configured to receive other types of waste; wherein the upper compartment is arranged above the lower compartment in a vertical direction of the waste bin, wherein the lower compartment comprises a liquid-impermeable bottom section and, preferably, liquid-impermeable side-wall sections, and wherein at least one of the upper and lower compartments is detachable from the frame, and wherein each of the upper compartment and the lower compartment is accessible for introducing waste material thereinto independently from the respective other compartment. The present disclosure further relates to a method of servicing a waste bin.

A trash bin cabinet for a checkout station in a retail store is described. The checkout station includes the trash bin cabinet with a drawer locking mechanism, and a trash level sensor with an optical notification system. The trash bin cabinet has a drawer unit that contains at least one trash bin. The drawer locking mechanism locks the drawer when the drawer unit is closed so the drawer unit does not come open by itself and become a hazard or a nuisance. The trash level sensor senses the level of trash in the trash bins and sends a trash level status signal to the optical notification system. The optical notification system optically radiates the trash level status signal so people or sensors can monitor the level of trash in the trash bins without visiting the checkout station.

A system is disclosed for monitoring waste collected by a service vehicle. The system may include a receptacle having an opening configured to receive waste, and an indicator associated with the receptacle and configured to visually indicate an amount of waste inside the receptacle. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture an image of the visual indicator and to generate a signal corresponding to the image, a display, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the display. The controller may be configured to cause a representation of the amount of waste in the receptacle to be shown on the display based on the signal.

A system for measuring a fill level of a trash can comprises a processor operable to receive a distance measurement from a network, wherein a sensor communicatively coupled to the processor through the network is operable to determine the distance measurement. The processor is operable to calculate a percentage of waste in the trash can based on the received distance measurement and a difference between a first setpoint and a second setpoint. The processor is operable to determine a threshold for a first period of time based on entity information. The processor is operable to compare the percentage of waste in the trash can to the threshold for the first period of time and to send an alert for display on a user device when the percentage of waste is greater than the threshold for the first period of time.

A robotic garbage unit can include a garbage container, a robotic drive system, and sensors. The robotic garbage unit can determine a travel path and drive along the travel path to get to a garbage pickup location. The robotic garbage unit can detect a garbage pickup event based on garbage sensors. When a garbage pickup event is detected, the robotic garbage unit determines a travel path to a docking station and drives to the docking station. The robotic garbage unit can avoid obstructions while traveling by adjusting a travel path.

A resource collection apparatus is an apparatus for collecting waste reusable as a resource. The resource collection apparatus includes an opening associated with a predetermined sorting type, an opening/closing unit configured to open and close the opening, a first detector configured to perform an operation to detect a target waste belonging to a user, and a controller configured to specify a sorting type into which the target waste is to be sorted, by using a result of the detection by the first detector. The controller switches the opening/closing unit from a closed state to an open state when the specified sorting type matches the sorting type associated with the opening.