Recycling systems can include a conveyor system, an optical device, and a processor operable to detect, identify, and count redeemable objects. The conveyor system can include a plurality of bins and be configured to move the bins from a first end of the conveyor system to a second end of the conveyor system. The optical device can be situated and configured to capture an image of a plurality of objects within a bin of the conveyor system. A processor including computer-readable instructions can be configured to detect and identify the objects within an image captured by the optical device as belonging to one or more object classes. Each object class can determine whether an object is redeemable or unredeemable. The processor can be configured to provide a count of only those objects identified as redeemable.

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, a lift assembly, and a projector. The vehicle body defines a receptacle for storing refuse. The lift assembly is configured to selectively engage a waste container. The lift assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The projector is positioned to emit light outwardly away from the refuse vehicle and proximate the lift assembly to define a target area.

The present invention relates to a novel trash can configured to provide money to users in exchange for trash/litter and recyclable items. The trash can has separate bins for collecting trash and recyclables; a weight sensor for determining a weight of the collected trash and recyclables; a processor for determining cash value corresponding to the weight of the collected trash and recyclables; a coin tray for storing coins; a bill tray for storing bills; a coin slot configured to dispense coins from the coin tray; and a bill slot for dispensing bills from the bill tray for providing a monetary amount to a user in exchange for depositing trash and recyclables. The bins can be removed, and the trays can be refilled by municipal authorities. In some embodiments, the trash can assembly has a screen display for displaying the weight of items and corresponding monetary amount.

Apparatuses and systems for an automated trashcan rover for lifting and moving a trashcan. An automated trashcan rover device may include a motor coupled to a plurality of wheels, a gripping means for grasping and lifting the trashcan, and a power source for power operation of the device. A controller is coupled to the motor, gripping means, and power source and is configured to control the lifting and moving of the trashcan.

Recycling systems can include a conveyor system, an optical device, and a processor operable to detect, identify, and count redeemable objects. The conveyor system can include a plurality of bins and be configured to move the bins from a first end of the conveyor system to a second end of the conveyor system. The optical device can be situated and configured to capture an image of a plurality of objects within a bin of the conveyor system. A processor including computer-readable instructions can be configured to detect and identify the objects within an image captured by the optical device as belonging to one or more object classes. Each object class can determine whether an object is redeemable or unredeemable. The processor can be configured to provide a count of only those objects identified as redeemable.

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 refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, a lift assembly, and a projector. The vehicle body defines a receptacle for storing refuse. The lift assembly is configured to selectively engage a waste container. The lift assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The projector is positioned to emit light outwardly away from the refuse vehicle and proximate the lift assembly to define a target area.

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.

A trashcan configured with compartments and sensors in association with a lighting apparatus operable to make it easier to detect when the trashcan is full and the compartment makes it easier to reach the trash bags and change it conveniently, the trash bag compartment can be used to store waste bags such as waste from pets. The trashcan is an embodiments in accordance with the present invention to enable an interactive trashcan application and security system, method, and device for monitoring a trash controlled environment and for detecting an emergency condition in the controlled environment and generating a response based on the existence of the trash emergency condition.

A modular receptacle system for storing refuse or recyclable materials, the modular receptacle system comprising a plurality of collapsible bins, a given one of the plurality of bins comprising a base, two opposing exposed side walls, each of the opposing exposed side walls including a bottom edge that allows the opposing exposed side wall to open or fold at a joint edge attached to the base, and two opposing folding side walls, the opposing folding side walls operable to detract or retract at least a portion of the opposing folding side walls from a recess in conjunction with an opening or folding of the opposing exposed side walls at the joint edge, the base and the opposing folding side walls including a mid-section fold that allows the base and folding side walls to open and fold at the mid-section fold, and a plurality of attachment devices that modularly couple the plurality of collapsible bins.