GB2395887A

GB2395887A - Waste recycling system

Info

Publication number: GB2395887A
Application number: GB0228231A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alex Pavier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-04
Filing date: 2002-12-04
Publication date: 2004-06-09
Also published as: GB0228231D0

Abstract

In a waste recycling system, each waste container is removably received in a respective container receiving means 12 and carries information enabling the source from which it originates to be identified. Each container may be a disposable plastics bag coloured or written on to indicate the type of waste material it is for. They each carry information in a form such as a bar code or magnetic strip enabling the source of the waste therein to be identified and recorded when collected for recycling. This may enable the source to be rewarded to encourage recycling. As shown, four receiving means 12 (shown in plan view) are separated by two crossed linear strips 11 within an opening 10 in a lid 7 of a housing, the opening 10 being closeable by a hinged cover 9. The housing or its lid 7 may carry electronic means 8 capable of reading information stored on a first magnetic strip and transferring it to a second magnetic strip on a container in a receiving means 12. The housing may have wheels.

Description

1 2395887

WASTE RECYCLING SYSTEM

The present invcution relates to a waste recycling system, an assembly for 5 collecting waste materials and a method of recycling waste materials.

Disposable packaging is a common aspect of perishable and non-perishable goods traded between and within countries.

lo Packaging is often essential to protect sensitive items during transport from, for example, the country of origin to the country of intended sale or from warehouses to consumer outlets. Packaging may also serve to contain, preserve and prevent damage to foodstuffs. Alternatively, packaging may provide a convenient carrying means for items or foodstuffs.

In addition, packaging can also have an important role to play by attracting the attention of consumers to certain goods, by indicating trade origin and/or guaranteeing quality.

to According to the DTI - Packaging (Essential Requirements Regulations), packaging is defined as "all products made of any material of any nature used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods, from the producer to the user or consumer".

:5 The; disposal of such packaging material, once it has fulfilled its function, presents a significant problem. Traditional packaging materials are often not biodegradable and will therefore persist in the environment. Burning such materials is unattractive as this may result in secondary forms of pollution.

As the amounts of waste packaging continue to accumulate, the strain on traditional measures of dealing with this problem, such as landfill sites, which clearly possess a finite capacity, continues to mount.

s Rather than simply produce more packaging materials and use valuable resources, governments and others have increasingly looked to recycling as a solution. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 0 were passed into UK law following the 1994 European Union Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC. Under the terms of the regulations, certain types of UK businesses have a legal requirement to recover and recycle packaging, in order that the UK achieves its rigorous recycling targets stipulated in the European Directive.

To meet the targets set by the new regulations, a number of packaging waste collection schemes have been developed.

The two most common schemes that are in operation are the "kerbside 20 collection" scheme and the "bring" scheme.

The "kerbside collection" scheme is operated either via a local authority or a private organ isation. Packaging materials may be deposited either in a recycling bag, box, or dustbin and are then collected from the kerbside.

2s The "bring" schemes, such as bottle and paper banks, rely upon the public to deliver their recyclable packaging materials to specific collection points situated in their area.

The above two systems each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Thus, one disadvantage of the "kerbside collection" scheme is that the costs to the operator can be high. An advantage, however, is that the diversion rate, i.e., the number of persons participating, may also be expected to be high.

s The advantage of the "bring" scheme is that the costs to the operator may be low, but the disadvantage is that the diversion rate may be low due to the inconvenience of transporting waste materials.

lo For a significant number of people and/or businesses, the idea of recycling remains an unattractive or inconvenient proposal. There remains, therefore, a need to make recycling more convenient and/or attractive to a source of waste materials, such as, for example, an individual customer or business.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a waste recycling system comprising: an assembly comprising a member defining at least one container receiving means and at least one container for waste material, wherein the container is releasably connectable to the member and the container is labelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating so from a particular source.

The term "waste material" as used herein includes, in particular, waste packaging materials, for example, as described by the DTI - Packaging (Essential Requirements Regulations). It is also intended to include within the as scope of"waste material", waste electrical and electronic equipment goods, for example, mobile phones, televisions and radios, as defined in The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEK) Directive.

Furthermore, by the term "waste material" as used herein, it is intended to mean that the waste material comprises at least 10% by total weight of packaging materials which are capable of being recycled, more preferably at least 30% and particularly preferably at least 50% by total weight of packaging 5 materials which are capable of being recycled.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste material comprises l OO% by total weight of packaging materials that are capable of being recycled.

lo The container may be labelled with information that enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source before being placed into the container receiving means, during placement in the container receiving means, or after the container is removed from the container receiving means.

15 The waste recycling system of the present invention is capable of providing several advantages.

The present invention provides that via the labelling of the container with information, it is possible to identify the particular source. The term "source'' 20 may include, for example, a business, organization or individual customer, which has provided the recyclable material. The present invention may therefore reward the business, organization or individual customer for their recycling efforts. Thus, the labelling information is specific to a particular source and therefore provides a means of identifying that source.

In an alternative embodiment, the labelling means may include several levels of information. Thus, the labelling means may identify the collection station to which the waste for recycling could be delivered. In this way, the source may be restricted to particular collection stations to which it is able to deliver the

recycling waste. This may provide a means whereby, for example, retailers, such as supermarkets, could tie customers into returning their waste products to them. 5 In one embodiment, the term "source" refers to an individual customer. In another embodiment, the term "source" refers to a business that produces waste materials as a result of carrying out its business, either directly or indirectly.

Accordingly in the above embodiments, the information on the container will lo be able to be tracked to the individual customer or business.

By the term "reward" it is intended to mean any benefit accruing to, in particular, the source of the waste material for recycling. A particular batch of waste material may attract more than one benefit. The benefit may vary 15 depending upon the source. Where the labelling includes more than one level of information, benefit may accrue to one or more of the parties, including the source, involved in the chain of delivery from a source to a reprocessing station. so The term "benefit" may include direct financial remuneration, for example by the payment of monies. In another embodiment, the benefit may be the payment of, for example, lower refuse collection taxes or duties, either directly or through, for example, business or council taxes. In a further embodiment, the benefit may be the meeting of local, national or intergovernmental recycling 25 targets and/or the avoidance of penalty payments.

Alternatively, the benefit could be in the form of, for example, free products, such as consumer items or holidays or free services. This type of benefit may be claimed from, for example a particular retailer or organization, or may be

available to be claimed through a multiplicity of different retailers or organizations. If the benefit can only be claimed through particular channels, this may form the basis for attracting or retaining customers and therefore of ensuring loyalty.

The benefit may take the form of donations to third parties such as for example, charities, particularly environmental agencies, either in addition to or instead of direct benefits to the source. Also intended to be included within the term benefit are discounts on future purchases of goods and/or services, vouchers, lo tokens, credit notes or equivalent forms of accreditation, all of which may be redeemed against consumer goods and/or services.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a body which can be, for example, a business, such as a retailer or any other profit or non-profit making organization, arranges the collection of waste for recycling.

The body may set up a series of accounts, at least one of which can be used by a particular source. The account may be set up, for example, in the name of the source, or the source may be provided with, or select, a number or other so identification means. The important aspect is that the containers of the present invention are labelled with the specific identification means for a particular source. In a particular embodiment, the benefit may initially take the form of points that are credited to the account of the source. Thus, depending upon, for example, the amount, quality, quantity or type of waste for recycling that is provided by the source, a certain number of points may be credited to the account of the source. The points accumulated in the account of the source may form the basis of any of the benefits or rewards mentioned above.

It is preferred that the point system is used to deliver a benefit to a source that is an individual customer.

5 In one embodiment, the benefit comprises Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN's).

PRN's can be, for example, issued to the body that arranges for the material to be recycled by an accredited reprocessor. The body can be, for example, a business such as a supermarket. Each PRN may be issued when a certain amount of waste material has been deposited at the reprocessing plant. In a lo particular example, for each tonne of material deposited, one PRN may be issued. The PRN's represent a currency which can be used to offset the business' own reprocessing requirements or they could be sold, for example, for money or is monies worth, to a third party.

Thus, the present invention may provide several advantages. One advantage of the present invention is that it may reward the general public for recycling their packaging waste and therefore encourage more recycling. The present to invention may help businesses to fulfil their recycling obligations if, for example, the business arranges the collection and is eligible for PRN's. Using a reward system may also allow businesses to retain and/or attract more custom.

A further advantage is the encouragement that such reward may provide towards meeting the demands of the European Union Directive on Packaging :5 Waste and The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEK) Directive.

Where sufficient encouragement is provided, the present invention may provide an economical method of collecting and recycling packaging waste and/or electrical and electronic equipment waste.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the labelling identifies an individual customer as the particular source and a benefit is provided to the individual customer. In addition, a benefit is also provided to the body that s arranges for the waste material to be delivered, either directly or via a third party, to a reprocessing station. Optionally, the labelling on the container includes specific identification of the body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a lo ridded housing for the assembly. By the term "housing", it is meant a defined recess that is capable of encasing the assembly, while still allowing the assembly to perform its essential function. The housing may have any shape but is preferably generally circular or rectangular.

In a particular embodiment, the housing is equipped with a means for facilitating movement along the ground, such as, for example, wheels or a ball or balls in sockets or a combination thereof. The means may form part of the housing or may form a separate undercarriage that can be engaged with the housing. Suitably, wheels can be attached to the base of the housing via an axle, or to the bottom edge of the wall of the housing. It is not critical, as long as the arrangement facilitates movement of the system along the ground, for example from the point at which waste is placed in the housing to a collection point, or :5 to a transportation means, such as a truck or car. The number of wheels is not critical. Conveniently, the number of wheels may be from two to four. The wheels may be detachable or fixed and may be constructed from any suitable material known in the art of wheeled bins.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a wheeled bin.

The housing may also comprise at least one external handle to assist lifting or dragging of the housing. When the housing comprises a means for facilitating 5 movement along the ground, it is particularly preferred that the housing also comprises at least one external handle, preferably one external handle.

Preferably, the lid has an open and closed position. The lid may optionally be sprung-loaded such that it automatically returns to the closed position when any lo restraining force holding it in an open position is removed.

The lid may be attached to the housing by any suitable means, but is preferably hingeably attached. Optionally, the lid may be fixeable via one edge, preferably opposite the attachment means, to the upper surface or edge of the housing by 15 for example, at least one latch means.

The housing may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, wood or durable plastics or combinations thereof. It is, however, preferred that the housing is constructed from molded durable plastic.

so Typically, the housing comprises a base, at least one wall and is free standing.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the housing may be adapted to be attached to an interior wall in, for example, a kitchen.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is adapted to 25 be suitable for the interior of a household, particularly a kitchen area or in the workplace. Thus, the housing may comprise design features that appeal to the eye of the informed user. For example, the housing may comprise wholly or partially transparent or coloured portions, featuring single colours or

combinations of colours, or have other design features that make the housing visually appealing.

The housing pretcrably comprises a top surface having an opening. The 5 opening may comprise either the whole or part of the surface area. The top surface may form part of the body of the housing. Alternatively, the surface may comprise a separate unit that is fixed within the housing. It is preferred that the opening may be generally covered by the lid attached to the housing when this is in the closed position. Preferably, the opening can accommodate lo the assembly and defines a recess in which the assembly including containers, either partially or wholly filled with waste materials, may be held.

It is preferred that the assembly releasably engages the lip of the opening of the housing. The assembly may comprise an edge portion with a recess that is 15 capable of accommodating the lip of the opening. Alternatively, the assembly may possess elements enabling it to snap fit with complementary portions on the lip of the opening. The skilled person will be aware of other suitable means for releasably engaging the assembly with the opening.

20 In a further embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises a fastening means for securing the lid to the member. Thus, for example when the assembly is fitted within the housing, the lid may releasably engage the upper surface of the member. Any suitable fastening means may be used to effect engagement of the lid and the upper surface of the member.

Typically, the fastening means comprises a magnetic engagement means. In this embodiment, magnetic portions of opposite polarity may be affixed to, for example, the under side of the lid and the upper or side surface of the member.

The position of attachment is not critical as long as there is a sufficient force to

hold the lid and member together. It does not matter which polarity is attached to which position as long as the polarity of the opposing positions are such as to provide an attractive force. There may be one or more than one magnetic portion attached to the member and lid.

It is preferred that the lid in the closed position generally overlaps the container receiving means defined by the member. In a more preferred embodiment, the lid in the closed position substantially overlaps the container receiving means defined by the member. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly may be lo confined in a recess. The recess may also accommodate the lid so as to form a generally level surface.

According to the present invention, all types of waste products, and particularly recyclable waste products, may be placed in one container and then transported Is to a collection or waste recycling point.

However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the waste materials may be separated into different classes of waste products before the container is transported to a collection or delivery point. The to advantage of doing this is that it may save on at least some sorting costs.

Thus, a preferred system is one in which the assembly comprises at least two container receiving means and at least two containers. It is particularly preferred that each container receiving means is separate and comprises one as container.

A particularly preferred system is one in which the assembly comprises four container receiving means and four separate containers. It is particularly preferred that each container engages one container receiving means. The

advantage of this particular embodiment of the invention is that it can allow each of the tour waste categories (glass, paper and card, metal and plastic) to be separated and placed into different containers thereby avoiding potentially expensive sorting protocols at a later stage. The above arrangement may also 5 allow other combinations of waste categories to be used and is not limited to the above-mentioned combination.

In order to provide an assembly comprising four container receiving means one embodiment of the present invention may include a member which comprises a lo frame which includes two crossed, generally perpendicular strips.

The frame and each strip may be manufactured from molded plastic but other materials may also be suitable, such as natural or laminated wood or metals or combinations thereof.

A functional requirement of the frame is that it is capable of releasably connecting to the container and therefore holding the container in such a way as to allow waste materials to be placed in the container.

so Thus, in a further embodiment, the present invention provides a system in which the upper surface of the strips comprises mating elements for reversible engagement with the container.

The mating elements may take the form of, for example, a latch means or snap 25 fittable members. The number of mating elements may comprise from 4 to 40, more preferably from 8 to 20.

Preferably, however, the mating elements comprise hooks. Where the strips comprise hooks, these may be arranged in an opposable manner, such that the

weight of the container and any waste material placed therein is distributed evenly. In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a system in which 5 the container is suitable for accommodating waste materials selected from the group consisting of: plastic, glass, metal and paper and card, electrical and electronic goods and combinations thereof.

The container may comprise, for example, any suitable means for retaining lo waste materials. In addition, containers for different types of waste products may be manufactured from different types or grades of materials.

The container means may therefore include, for example, a generally rectangular box having a base and at least one opening. The box may be is reusable or disposable and may be constructed from suitable cardboard or more substantial material, such as molded plastic.

Preferably the container comprises a bag. The bag may be reusable or it may be disposable. Preferably, the bag is disposable. The bag may be manufactured so from any suitable material. Advantageously, the bag may be manufactured from durable plastics materials.

The bag may suitably be labelled with lettering describing the type of packaging to be contained therein. Thus, the lettering may specify that the 25 contents of the bag are, for example, waste materials selected from plastic, glass, metal or card and paper. Such labelling may assist the sorting and recycling process as well as reminding the person disposing the waste, what type of waste should be placed therein.

Alternatively or additionally, the bag may be co]our coded in order to indicate the type of packaging to be contained therein. Thus, each different type of waste material may be assigned a particular colour or design comprising a colour. This may also help to assist in the sorting of different types of waste 5 materials.

In a further embodiment, the bag comprises a pair of opposable carrying handle strips. The strips may be manufactured from the same or a different material to the main body of the container. The handle strips may be reinforced and lo therefore assist in the carrying of the containers during movement from the system to a transport or collection means.

Advantageously, the handle strips further comprise means for engaging with the member. The means will be complementary to the engagement system with Is which the member has been equipped. Thus, in one embodiment, when the member comprises hooks, the handle strips of the bag comprise attachment means. The attachment means may comprise loops of material, or more preferably, openings within the handle strips. The number of openings in each handle strip may vary from 1 to 10, preferably, from 4 to 8.

In one embodiment, the container is releasably sealable. The means for releasably sealing the container may comprise, for example, a releasably sealable lid, such as a tongue and grooved sliding portion when the container is a box. Other means for attaching a lid to a box may also be used, such as clips 25 and straps.

Where the container is a bag it is particularly preferred that the bag comprises a fastening means. Suitably, the fastening means comprises a drawstring, more preferably a sealable film combination. Preferably, the sealable film

combination is in the form of a pair of opposable strips that are interior to the bag and generally parallel to the container opening.

In an alternative embodiment, the fastening means comprises snap fittings.

s Other fastening means may also be used, which are particularly suitable when the container is a bag. For example, the fastening means may comprise two opposable strips. One of the strips may comprise a male portion and the other strip a complementary female portion. The two portions may be squeezed lo together or pulled apart so as to engage or disengage respectively the male and female portions. Suitably, these portions may be constructed from plastics.

The male portion may, for example, be a tongue and the female portion may, for example, be a groove. In another embodiment, the fastening means may is further comprise a slidable assembly that can move along the strips, engaging or disengaging the male and female portions as it does so and thereby closing or opening the bag. The assembly may comprise a portion capable of gripping the two opposable strips and, optionally, a lever portion capable of disengaging the male and female portions when the assembly is moved relative to the strips.

The container of the present invention is labelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises an :5 identification tag. The tag may suitably include details of the source of the waste, but may optionally include information relating to the body organising collection of the wastc7 particularly where this is a retail outlet such as a supermarket.

Advantageously, the identification tag may comprise at least one means of identifying a particular customer and/or retail outlet or other business. The means may comprise, for example, a physical representation of a number, a combination of reman, or non-roman, characters together with numbers.

The means is not limited to numbers andlor roman or non-roman characters and alternatively specific designs could in theory also be used in the system of the present invention. The means is an arrangement of data capable of identifying a particular source.

If it also intended to identify an additional body, such as a retail outlet or business, then an additional identification means i.e., other than the tag may also be present on the container. The additional identification means may be separate or included within the identification tag.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tag comprises information that is capable of being processed electronically.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the tag is a bar code. The so advantage of using a bar code is that this can be quickly read electronically, using for example a scanning laser such as is commonly seen in the checkout terminals of retail outlets, and the details of the source automatically entered into a system. The skilled person will be aware of means for producing and reading bar codes.

In a further embodiment, the waste recycling system comprises an electronic means for reading a first magnetic strip comprising information and at least one container that comprises a second magnetic strip. The term "magnetic strip" as used herein is interchangeable with the term "magnetic stripes".

Preferably, the electronic means is capable of reading a magnetic strip attached to a carrier. The carrier may be a card. The card may suitably be manufactured from plastic such as is commonly used in the manufacture of credit and bank s debit cards.

The second magnetic strip may be attached directly to the surface of the container or may be located on a carrier means attached to the container. The carrier means may comprise, for example, a plastic card. The carrier means for lo the second magnetic strip may be detachable, in order to facilitate reading of the information on the strip. In a preferred embodiment, the second magnetic strip is located on a carrier means that is attached to the container via a linking member such as a chain, coil or clip.

is Advantageously, the container is a bag that comprises the second magnetic strip upon a carrying means, such as a handle.

The first magnetic strip comprises information that is specific to the source of the card, such as, for example, a customer account number. In one embodiment, to the card may be a customer loyalty card, such as those commonly issued by retail establishments, in particular supermarkets. The second magnetic strip may be blank and contain no information or the information on the second strip may be capable of being wiped and/or overwritten.

as In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic strip is read using the electronic means. The information on the first magnetic strip is then transferred onto the second magnetic strip. This may suitably be achievedby inserting a card comprising the first magnetic strip into the electronic means. The information on the first magnetic strip may then be transferred onto the second magnetic

strip by, for example, engaging the second magnetic strip with the electronic means. Preferably, a handle comprising the second magnetic strip is swiped through a gate in the electronic means.

5 The transfer of information from the first magnetic strip to the second magnetic strip may be carried out before the container is connected to the container receiving means. Alternatively the transfer may be carried out during connection of the container to the container receiving means, or after the container has been removed from the container receiving means, such as when lo the container has been filled with waste materials.

In one embodiment, the electronic means may be separate from the waste system but located in a convenient position, such as a wall in a commercial work place. Empty containers comprising a second magnetic strip, or 15 preferably containers comprising waste materials may then be imprinted with the information contained on the first magnetic strip by a transfer as described above. Advantageously, the electronic means provides a universal reading system for so magnetic strips. By "universal system" it is meant that the electronic means is able to read any magnetic strip. Preferably, the electronic means is able to read all magnetic strips found on, for example, supermarket loyalty cards.

Thus, the consumer may be able to chose which collection point the waste 25 material is returned to and what type of benefit will accrue from the return of the waste material should they differ.

In one embodiment, the system or assembly comprises at least one means for storing loyalty cards, which provides easy access to the cards. Preferably, the

means for storing the loyalty cards is a pocket. Where more than one card is used, the cards may be stored separately or together.

A benefit may be directed, via, for example, an account system, to the source of s the waste for recycling, once the information on the tag or second magnetic strip is read. Advantageously, the benefit may form a credit to an account that is specific to the source. In one particular embodiment, the tag or strip is read at the point of collection of the waste. Alternatively, the tag or strip may be read at the recycling station. The credit may take the form of points that are lo correlated to the amount of waste presented for recycling. The tag may be read electronically. Preferably the container is manufactured from durable plastic, such as PVC or polyurethane. Thus, the container may suitably be generally rigid or flexible and adapted to be foldable when not in use.

Advantageously, the information, which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source, may be imprinted onto the container by closure of the lid. In this embodiment, the information may be present on the so surface of a treatable element. The element may be heated when the lid is first closed on a new container and thus be capable of branding the information onto a surface of the new container.

Alternatively, the lid of the container may apply a bar code to each container when it has been placed inside the container receiving means and the lid has been closed. Thus, for example, the lid of the container may comprise a means for applying an adhesive sticker comprising a bar code to each container.

In a further embodiment, the bar code may be printed directly onto the surface of the container or the bar code may be applied to an adhesive sticker, which is attachable to the container. The bar code may be applied to the container at the source of manufacture of the container, by a contracted third party, or it may be 5 applied at a retail establishment.

In a preferred embodiment, the container receiving means are within a generally horizontal plane. In this particular embodiment, the system is generally upright. Suitably, the container is suspended from the member in a lo generally vertical manner.

Preferably, the container receiving means comprises an opening. The container may suitably be placed into the opening and releasably connected to the member in order to hold the container in position.

Advantageously, the opening comprises sealing elements. The sealing elements may allow waste to be passed into the body of the container and retained therein. Preferably, the sealing elements comprise rubber flaps.

so In a second aspect, the present invention comprises an assembly comprising a member defining at least one container receiving means and at least one container for waste material, wherein the container is releasably connectable to the member and is capable of being accommodated within the container receiving means and the container is labelled with information which enables 25 the container to be identified as originating from a particular source.

The member, assembly, container receiving means and container may all be as described in the above aspects ofthe invention.

In a further embodiment, the assembly can be releasably connectable to a support means. The support means may comprise a stand with a receiving portion for the assembly such that connection of the assembly with the stand allows the assembly to be positioned in a generally upright manner.

5 Alternatively, the stand may be integral to the assembly.

In one preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises four container receiving means and four separate containers. Preferably, each receiving means releasably engages one container.

Typically, the member of the assembly comprises a frame, which includes two crossed, generally perpendicular strips.

Suitably, the upper surface of the strips comprise hooks for reversible 15 engagement with the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a bag. Suitably, the bag comprises a pair of opposable carrying handle strips.

so In one embodiment, the handle strips further comprise means for engaging with the member.

In a third aspect the present invention provides a method of recycling waste materials comprising the steps of releasably connecting at least one container to 25 a member defining at least one container receiving means in an assembly, wherein the container is labelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source, placing the appropriate waste material into the container, removing the container comprising waste material and transporting the container to a collection point.

The member, assembly, container receiving means and container may all be as described in the above aspects of the invention Preferably the container used in the method of the invention is a bag. The bag may be as described in any of the above embodiments of the invention.

The method of the invention may further comprise the step of pre-] abelling the bag with information.

lo Alternatively, the method of the invention may comprise the step of labelling the container with information when the container has been filled with waste materials and removed from the container receiving means.

Is In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, a body operating a recycling scheme arranges for collection of the container comprising waste material from the source i.e., a business, organisation or an individual customer. so The information attached to the container may be read and recorded at the point of collection. In a further embodiment, the method comprises the step of reading the information on the container electronically at the collection point.

The point of collection may provide a storage facility and/or sorting area for the 25 waste before it is transported to a site, or sites, for recycling. Alternatively, the point of collection may carry out some or all of the recycling. The container may be emptied and then reused. The information is preferably recorded before the actual recycling process begins since this will enable the amount of waste to be calculated and the benefit accrued to the source accordingly.

In one embodiment, the source, i.e., business, organization or individual customer may deliver the waste material to a collection point. The waste material is contained within a container according to the present invention.

5 Suitably, the collection point provides easy access to the source of waste and can be, for example, in the form of a "drive through" packaging waste delivery system. The collection point may have the features described above in regard to the lo point of collection. The collection point may be manned or unmanned. Thus, when the waste is delivered to the collection point, the information on the container may be read by any suitable means.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a bar code, which is scanned.

15 Preferably, where the collection point is unmanned, the source places the waste container into, for example, a deposit area and the information on the container is automatically read and the details of the deposit entered into account which is specific to the source. As described above a benefit may result from the presence of credit in the account, whether the credit is in the form of points or 20 otherwise.

The container may be a disposable or reusable container. Where the container is reusable, it is preferably a plastic box.

25 In a preferred embodiment, the contents of the container are weighed at the collection point and the weight of the recycled materials recorded along with the information on the container so as to enable the benefit to be directed to the source and/or body responsible for the recycling scheme. This will enable the

benefit to be proportional to the amount i.e., quantity or weight of waste and/or quality of waste that is presented to be recycled.

The waste materials may be sorted at the collection point or they may have s been pre-sorted by the source placing different categories of waste into separate labelled containers. Preferably, the waste for recycling has been pre-sorted.

The waste materials may be stored on-site or transferred to a central depot, prior to being delivered to an accredited reprocessor.

In one embodiment of the present invention, Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN's) can be acquired by, for example, a body responsible for organising the recycling scheme, for each tonne of material delivered to an accredited reprocessor. The PRN can then either be used to offset against the body's own is quota, or can be sold.

The present invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: so Figure I represents a plan view showing an assembly comprising a member defining four container receiving means and four separate containers wherein each of the containers can accommodate a different category of waste material and the surface of the member comprises attachment hooks.

Is Figure 2 represents a side view of a suitable ridded housing for the waste recycl i ng system.

Figure 3 represents a front view of the ridded housing shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 represents a plan view of a ridded housing.

Figure 5 represents a side view of the ridded housing shown in Figure 4, wherein the lid is shown in an open position.

Figure 6 represents a plan view of the combination of ridded housing and system wherein the did is shown in an open position.

Figure 7 represents a plan view of a bag in an open position.

Figure 8 represents a side view of the bag shown in Figure 7.

In Figure I, an assembly 1 is shown which comprises a member 2 defining four container receiving means 3 each comprising a container 4, wherein each of the containers can accommodate a different category of waste material and the surface of the member comprises attachment hooks 5 for attaching container 4.

Each container 4 may be attached to opposite pairs of attachment hooks 5.

The assembly 1 and member 2 may be manufactured from any suitable 20 material, particularly plastics, wood, metal or combinations thereof. The assembly 1 and member 2 may be integral or releasably connectable. The member 2 comprises a frame having four container receiving means 3. The container receiving means 3 each define a generally rectangular opening, although other shapes of opening may be equally suitable.

The containers 4 are suitably disposable bags manufactured from, for example, durable plastics, and labelled with information specific to a particular source (not shown). In addition, each separate container may comprise an indication, in reman characters or otherwise (e.g., colours), of the type of waste materials

to be placed therein (not shown). Each container 4 may be accommodated separately within each container receiving means 3. The assembly 1 may be generally level and adapted to be used in a generally horizontal or generally vertical position.

s In Figure 2, a ridded housing 6 for the waste recycling system of the present invention is shown. Although the ridded housing 6 is a generally rectangular structure, other shapes of housing may be equally suitable for the purposes of the present invention. The ridded housing 6 is generally upright but this is not lo intended to be a limiting feature of the present invention. A generally horizontal lid 7 for the housing may suitably be hingeably attached to the main body of the housing 6. Both the housing 6 and lid 7 may be manufactured from molded plastic. The housing 6 may suitably comprise a wheeled bin.

is Housing 6 comprises an externally mounted electronic means 8. The electronic means 8 may be mounted at any convenient position. Electronic means 8 is capable of reading information stored on a first magnetic strip (not shown) and of transferring this information to a second magnetic strip (not shown) on container 4. The information on the second magnetic strip enables the container so 4 to be identified as originating from a particular source. Preferably, electronic means 8 comprises a portion for inserting, for example, a loyalty card (not shown) and a gate portion through which the second magnetic portion may be swiped. as In Figure 3, the ridded housing 6 is shown in a front view.

In Figure 4, a plan view is shown of a ridded housing 6. In particular, in Figure 4, the lid 7 shown comprises a generally rectangular liftable portion 9. The portion 9 may fit into a recess defined in the surface of the lid 7 to form a

generally level surface when the portion is in the closed position shown, so as to seal any opening. Alternatively, the portion 9 may rest on the surface of the lid 7. The portion may be hingeably attached at one end to the lid 7.

5 In Figure 5, the lid 7 in Figure 4 is shown from a side perspective, wherein portion 9 is shown in an open position.

In Figure 6, a lid 7 is shown in plan view, which comprises a liftable portion 9.

The liftable portion 9 is shown in an open position. Lid 7 contains a generally lo rectangular opening 10 within which an assembly comprising a member 11 is positioned. The member 11 may be fixed or releasable. The member 11 comprises two generally linear crossed strips, which define four generally rectangular container receiving means 12 suitable for the containers of the present invention. The member 11 may be constructed from plastics or other is suitable materials.

In Figure 7, a bag 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in an open position.

20 Bag 13 comprises a generally parallel strip 14 and a parallel sealable film, 17, connected to a main body for receiving waste 18. Film 17 may comprise an adhesive element which allows the parallel edges of bag 13 to be releasably sealed together so as to prevent the contents from escaping during, for example, transportation. Strip 14 comprises proximal and distal attachment holes 15. The attachment holes may be used to releasably connect bag 13 to an assembly comprising a member comprising attachment means (not shown). Strip 14 also comprises a

carrier handle 16. Bag 13 and strip 14 may be manufactured from durable plastics known the person skilled in the art.

In Figure 8, the bag in Figure 7 is shown from a side view. The side view shows a bag 19 comprising a means of identifying bag 19 as originating from a particular source 20, preferably a magnetic strip or a bar code, and a means of identifying the particular type of waste 21, preferably roman characters or a colour or a combination thereof.

Claims

Claims:

1. A waste recycling system comprising: an assembly comprising a member defining at least one container receiving means and at least one 5 container for waste material, wherein the container is releasably connectable to the member and the container is]abelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source.

lo 2. A system according to Claim 1, which further comprises a ridded housing for the assembly.

3. A system according to Claim 2, in which the housing comprises a top surface having an opening.

4. A system according to Claim 3, in which the assembly releasably engages the lip of the opening of the housing.

5. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the housing 20 comprises a wheeled bin.

6. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, in which the assembly comprises a fastening means for securing the lid to the member.

25 7. A system according to Claim 6, in which the fastening means comprises a magnetic engagement means.

8. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, in which the lid in the closed position generally overlaps the container receiving means defined by the member.

s 9. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the assembly comprises at least two container receiving means and at least two containers. 10. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the assembly lo comprises four container receiving means and four separate containers.

11. A system according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, in which each receiving means engages one container.

Is 12. A system according to Claim 10, in which the member comprises a frame which includes two crossed, generally perpendicular strips.

13. A system according to Claim 12, in which each strip is manufactured from molded plastic.

14. A system according to Claim 12 or 13, in which the upper surface of the strips comprises mating elements for reversible engagement with the container. as 15. A system according Claim 14, wherein the mating elements comprise hooks. 16. A system according to any one of Claims I to 15, in which the container is suitable for accommodating waste materials selected from the group

consisting of: plastic, glass, metal and paper and card, electrical and electronic goods and combinations thereof.

17. A system according to any one of Claims l to 16, in which the container 5 comprises a bag.

18. A system according to Claim 17, in which the bag is disposable.

19. A system according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, in which the bag is lo labelled with lettering describing the type of packaging to be contained therein. 20. A system according to any one of Claims 17 to 19, in which the bag is colour coded in order to describe the type of packaging to be contained 5 therein. 21. A system according to any one of Claims 17 to 20, in which the bag comprises a pair of opposable carrying handle strips.

20 22. A system according to Claim 21, in which the handle strips further comprise means for engaging with the member.

23. A system according to any one of Claims l to 22, in which the container is releasably sealable.

24. A system according to any one of Claims l to 23, in which the container comprises an identification tag.

25. A system according to Claim 24, in which the tag is a bar code.

26. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, which comprises an electronic means for reading a first magnetic strip comprising information and at least one container that comprises a second magnetic 5 strip. 27. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 26, in which the container is manufactured from durable plastic.

lo 28. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 25, in which the information is imprinted onto the container by closure of the lid.

29. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 28, in which the container receiving means are within a generally horizontal plane.

30. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 29, in which the container is suspended from the member in a generally vertical manner.

31. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 30, in which the container so receiving means comprises an opening.

32. A system according to Claim 31, in which the opening comprises sealing elements.

25 33. A system according to Claim 32, in which the sealing elements comprise rubber flaps.

34. An assembly comprising a member defining at least one container receiving means and at least one container for waste material, wherein

the container is releasably connectable to the member and is capable of being accommodated within the container receiving means and the container is labelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source.

s 35. An assembly according to Claim 34, in which the assembly comprises four container receiving means and four separate containers.

36. An assembly according to Claim 35, in which each receiving means lo releasably engages one container.

37. An assembly according to Claim 35 or Claim 36, in which the member comprises a frame which includes two crossed, generally perpendicular strips. 38. An assembly according to Claim 37, in which the upper surface of the strips comprises hooks for reversible engagement with the container.

39. An assembly according to any one of Claims 34 to 38, in which the so container comprises a bag.

40. An assembly according to Claim 39, in which the bag comprises a pair of opposable carrying handle strips.

as 41. An assembly according to Claim 40, in which the handle strips further comprise means for engaging with the member.

42. A method of recycling waste materials comprising the steps of releasably connecting at least one container to a member defining at

least one container receiving means in an assembly, wherein the container is labelled with information which enables the container to be identified as originating from a particular source, placing the appropriate waste material into the container, removing the container comprising waste s material and transporting the container to a collection point.

43. A method according to Claim 42, in which the container is a bag.

44. A method according to Claim 42 or 43, in which the bag is prelabelled lo with information.

45. A method according to any one of Claims 42 to 44, in which the information on the container is read electronically at the collection point.

Is 46. A waste recycling system, as substantially described herein.

47. An assembly, as substantially described herein.