A refuse collection apparatus is disclosed. A refuse collection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention a main body unit into which a refuse is inserted, a refuse compression unit installed in the main body unit and configured to compress the refuse inserted into the main body unit and a movement range detection unit located inside of the main body unit and configured to detect a movement range of the refuse compression unit.

A waste collection receptacle, for example a receptacle in compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations concerning the disposal of controlled substances, includes a housing and a waste-collection container therein. A chute directs waste deposited through an aperture in the housing into the waste-collection container. A fill sensor monitors the fill level of the waste-collection container. When the waste-collection container reaches a fill threshold, a controller sends a signal that electronically locks the aperture, thereby preventing additional waste from being deposited into the receptacle.

A waste compression device with a fee calculation function is provided for shaking and compressing wastes and calculating the quantity of the wastes. The waste compression device includes a casing. The casing has therein: a storage cart; a compression unit for compressing the wastes in the storage cart; a vibration unit for shaking the storage cart; a quantity sensor; a storage level sensor; an interface unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls the compression and vibration. The interface unit determines the best time to shake and compress the wastes according to the wastes level, and instructs a ticketing unit to dispense a coupon for joining a points reward scheme or receiving a cash discount or a gift according to the wastes quantity. The waste compression device calculates the quantity of the wastes, reduces the volume of the wastes, and encourages consumers to take the initiative in recycling wastes.

A compaction capable receptacle may include a housing with a trash receiving opening, a compaction unit arranged within the housing, and a trash bin arranged within the housing and configured for rotating trash within the bin below the compaction unit.

A collection apparatus weight and fullness level reporting system includes: an inlet; a removable collection bin receiving material placed into the collection apparatus; a compacting mechanism including a ram body, wherein the ram body travels between a home position located above the collection bin to a maximum travel position located inside the collection bin, wherein during each compaction cycle the ram body travels along a variable length of the compaction path; a fullness-reporting module that determines the height of the material in the collection bin; and a controller that determines the length of the compaction path the ram body travels during each compaction cycle based on the input received from the fullness reporting module, wherein at the end of each compaction cycle in which the material height is below a maximum height, the ram body is brought to rest at a height below the home position.

This disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems that may include a container housing having at least one opening, as well as a camera configured to capture a visual input relating to a deposited object placed into the at least one opening. A light source may be configured to illuminate the deposited object, and a sorting plate configured to divert the deposited object into one of a plurality of containers. A motor may be configured to move the sorting plate, and a processor system configured to: receive the visual input from the camera, classify the deposited object based on the visual input, and cause the motor to move the sorting place to divert the deposited object to the one of the plurality of containers based on the classification.

A sensor device used in remote monitoring of waste within a waste container includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring the waste and for generating a corresponding waste-indicative signal, a data processing arrangement for receiving the waste-indicative signal, a wireless interface coupled to the data processing arrangement for enabling the data processing device to emit wireless signals including information derived from the waste-indicative signal, and a power source for providing power to operate the sensor device. The sensor arrangement additionally includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of at least the power source, and the data processing arrangement is operable to be switched from the second reduced-power mode to the first activated mode as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. This enables power saving and increased service life of the sensor, battery, and the waste container.

A tool is disclosed for use in managing waste services. The tool may have an interface configured to receive input from a user indicative of an on-demand service request. The tool may also have a communication device, and a controller in electronic communication with the interface and the communication device. The controller may be configured to transmit a waste management command to a remote service provider via the communication device based on the input.

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.

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.