A method comprises emitting detection radiation into a container; receiving a reflection of the emitted radiation from contents of the container; interpreting the received reflection to determine the contents of the container.

A waste management system comprises a waste bin storing waste, wherein the waste bin comprises a smart waste bin sensor device installed on the waste bin of a waste bin owner. The smart waste bin sensor device comprises a set of sensors that sends and receives signals through a wireless network to a cloud server. The set of sensors implements, operates, detects, measures, and monitors environmental conditions inside or outside the waste bin. A waste and litter sensor detects, measures, and monitors a waste type, a waste volume, a litter type, a litter level, a biohazardous waste type, and a biohazardous waste level. A pathogen biosensor detects, measures, and monitors a pathogen type and a biosafety level. The pathogen biosensor comprises a sterilizer to kill pathogens. A waste bin mobile application and a waste collection facility application functionality enable a user to monitor waste in the waste bin.

A computer-controlled rubbish container includes a power bank, a control circuit, and a wheel assembly coupled to a bottom portion of a rubbish container. The wheel assembly includes an electric motor coupled to a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates upon a wireless signal sent from a computer to the control circuit. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly is configured to engage and disengage from a ground surface such that the rubbish container is capable of manual pushing.

One example embodiment is adapted for use in facilitating collection and transport of memory devices, e.g., drives, motherboards, etc., e.g., for the purposes of subsequent destruction. The example embodiment has an outer bin, also called a garage or outer enclosure, within which is placed an inner bin with wheels. Once closed and locked, the outer bin has a door that can be opened so drives or other memory devices can be inserted. The drives then fall into the inner bin and, once sufficiently filled, the inner bin be easily wheeled out from the outer bin. The inner bin has its own locking lid that is secured when transporting the inner bin with the drives, e.g., to a destruction facility or area. Other features are provided as described below. Enhanced synergistic security features include use of multi-point locking latches to secure doors and lids, metal construction of the bins, and so on. The bins are sized to facilitate efficient collection and transport of potentially sensitive data center media.

A refuse container having an indicator assembly for informing a waste generator of contamination in a waste stream. A refuse container includes a container body comprising a receptacle portion and a lid coupled with the receptacle portion. The receptacle portion includes a plurality of walls that together define an enclosed space for containing refuse. An indicator device is coupled with the container body. The indicator device is movable relative to the container body between a first position and a second position. First indicia is provided on one of the indicator device or the container body. When the indicator device is in the first position, the first indicia are visible from the exterior of the refuse container, and when the indicator device is in the second position, the first indicia are not visible from the exterior of the refuse container.

A cart includes a body portion forming a receptacle. A lid is pivotable relative to the body portion. A lock assembly includes a hasp fixed relative to one of the lid or the body portion. A lock is fixed relative to the other of the lid or the body portion and includes a catch for engaging the hasp and an actuator in electrical communication with a controller. The actuator is configured to actuate the catch to selectively secure the hasp relative to the lock.

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 waste bin management unit manages identification information of a waste bin and identification information and a disposal date of the medical device that has been disposed of in the waste bin in association with each other. The waste bin management unit sets a scheduled date for collecting the waste bin based on at least either one of the number of medical devices that have been disposed of in the waste bin and the disposal date.

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 efficiently and automatically requesting waste collection services through the use of mobile communication devices is disclosed. The method utilizes a fill-level sensor or fill-level sensors attached to dumpsters of various sizes. The fill-level sensor is configured to monitor a dumpster's capacity in terms of waste volume. Whenever the volume reaches a predetermined fill-level set by the generator, an automatic collection request is sent out to at least one hauler capable of carrying out the collection.