WO2013072655A1

WO2013072655A1 - Waste recycling system

Info

Publication number: WO2013072655A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clare Bevan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-17
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-17
Also published as: GB2496634B; GB201119816D0; GB2496634A

Abstract

A waste recycling system (2) is provided comprising a plurality of conduits (4), each conduit (4) having a first opening (18) at a first end into which waste material may be placed and a second opening (20) at a second end; a plurality of receptacles (26), each receptacle (26) disposed to receive waste material leaving a respective conduit (4) through the second opening (20) in the conduit (4); means (44) for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle (26); and means (46) for indicating to a user the amount of waste in the said receptacle (26).

Description

WASTE RECYCLING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an apparatus to facilitate the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable material. The invention further relates to the disposal of recyclable material from a kitchen area of a home or similar facility, to an outer container, located outside a building.

With landfill sites becoming increasingly full and alternative sites much harder to locate, there has been a drive by many local authorities in recent years to implement recycling schemes. Such schemes are now widely known and nowadays involve the sorting of recyclable material at the source, that is at the point of collection. To facilitate such sorting, elementary methods include, although are not limited to, the use of colour coded bags, bins and the like corresponding and categorised by the type of waste. Much in the way of apparatus has been proposed to facilitate the disposal and sorting of recyclable material. Such apparatus can be found to range from simple devices such as colour coded bags, as described above, through to more complex devices such multi-compartment storage devices for placement inside and outside the home. One such device is disclosed in DE 9,315,201 . In one embodiment there is provided a multi-compartment device wherein the device has a lid portion and a storage portion. The lid is provided with a plurality of external openings, each opening comprising an external hinged flap, such that in a closed position the flap seals the lid portion. The lid portion is arranged to be connected to the storage portion, the storage portion comprising a plurality of storage receptacles. Each opening in the lid portion is arranged to connect to a storage receptacle housed. There is also provided means for compacting refuse as it enters each storage receptacle. GB 2,409,629 provides a similar device to that disclosed in DE 9,315,201 , however without means for the compacting of refuse upon entering the storage receptacle. The device of GB 2,409,629 provides for the separation of waste material both within and outside domestic/commercial premises. Generally the device comprises a storage receptacle and a plurality of inserts, arranged in that they may be locked together within the storage receptacle for storage and transportation. The inserts or recycling bins may have lids that have a magnetic locking device. Further indication of corresponding refuse for each bin is provided by means of a display by label or colour. One problem arising with both DE 9,315,201 and GB 2,409,629, together with similar devices known in the art is the need for suitably sized floor space. Many of these devices require significant floor space and as such can not be as readily used where there is a limitation on the amount of available floor space. Accordingly, there have been various attempts to develop devices that are capable of being integrated into residential dwellings. Further, there have also been a number of attempts to develop devices capable of being disposed of exterior to a residential dwelling, thus to enhance the space-saving characteristics of such apparatus. These devices are also arranged to connect to interna} panels and the like, through windows, wa))s and the like by suitable connection means.

One such early device is that disclosed in GB 623,437, which discloses an apparatus for conveying waste from a kitchen or similar workroom to a receptacle being housed in a shelter situated on the outside of the building. The apparatus comprises a panel with one or more openings provided, such panel being secured in a convenient location with the kitchen or similar workroom. Attached to each opening in the panel is a shoot, for conveying waste to a receptacle. Each shoot is provided with a spring-operated closing flap at its discharging end to prevent the return flow of foul smells from a receptacle. A number of receptacles are enclosed in an outdoor shelter, such shelter being provided with doors for the removal of the containers. In use, waste is disposed of through the opening in the panel located in the kitchen or similar workroom, which travels via the shoots to the receptacles housed in the outdoor shelter.

US 5,083,704 discloses an automatic rubbish disposal system having a rubbish discharge station located internally of a building structure and having a plurality of dedicated rubbish disposal ports for receipt of different categories of rubbish. Both recyclable and non-recyclable rubbish can be disposed of by use of this system. The system is driven by vacuum generating or similar means for conveying each item of rubbish inserted into a dedicated rubbish disposal port to a corresponding receptacle located to the exterior of the building structure. Said ports and receptacles are connected by means of substantially horizontal pipe work. As such, this system may have limited use particularly in the respect of dwellings located on first and subsequent floors. US 5,280,680 provides a system that accounts for a variation in height between rubbish disposal and rubbish storage. The system comprises a hood directed through a dwelling wall, with the hood comprising a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is aligned with a direction chute fixedly mounted to the dwelling wall exterior surface and terminating at a chute housing floor. The chute housing floor has a plurality of doors, permitting access to the lower ends of the chutes, there being a plurality of receptacles housed in this location. Doors as previously described also permit the removal of said receptacles by use of a vehicular cart or the like. As noted previously, this arrangement is particularly suited to dwellings having a floor located substantially above the level of the receptacles arranged for receiving the rubbish.

An alternative arrangement for a refuse collection system is described in US 5,458,287. A prefabricated conservatory enclosure is provided for a waste recycling centre. The enclosure is designed to be attached to a building and includes an upper bay window recess having a bottom counter and a lower housing for enclosing one or more receptacles for receiving recyclable waste. The upper counter is arranged to be aligned parallel with and/or form the window sill with respect to the bay window detailed above. The upper counter has located therein a number of openings; each opening is located directly above a corresponding receptacle located within the lower housing. To permit access to and emptying of the receptacles, the lower housing is provided with an outwardly facing opening, wherein in one embodiment, the opening is provided by means of a plurality of doors.

Another alternate arrangement for a refuse collection system is provided in FR 2,707,685. There is disclosed an arrangement for the collection of refuse in flats, apartments and the like. The system allows for the sorting of household waste at the source. The system comprises an internal portion, the internal portion comprising a refuse receiving station located under the sink of each flat, apartment or similar. The receiving station has a number of sections, each section for receiving a predetermined and classified type of waste. The system further comprises an external portion, which in use, engages with the internal portion. The external portion comprises a pulley system located within a central region of a flat or apartment block, the pulley system comprising a plurality of refuse collection buckets, which are arranged to engage with the internal portion of the system when in use. As mentioned above, the system is arranged within a central core of a flat or apartment block and as such requires installing at the time of construction. This presents obvious cost implications for installation into residential properties of only a few floors.

Most recently, US 6,354,441 discloses a waste disposal and sorting apparatus. The apparatus comprises an outer container having different sections for the separate storage of waste. The unit can be positioned to the exterior of a property and be accessed from inside a property through passage ways extending through a wall of the building. The outer container is housed within an exterior housing and accessible for emptying, cleaning and the like.

Similarly, US 5,695,114 discloses a refuse collection and recycling apparatus for primary household use for the purpose of collecting, separating and recycling refuse such as paper, plastics, cans, bottles, food, generated in the home, stores and offices by means of sample operation using a device of simple construction.

In addition, WO 91/13010 relates to a domestic waste processor, comprising a housing having a plurality of inlet apertures connected by delivery chutes to a compactor for compacting waste material passing down the chute. Further, FR 2725922 discloses an apparatus and method for the collection and sorting of plastic, metal and glass packaging for recycling.

Yet still further, BE 1015054 relates to a waste collection device, which uses a plunger to fill collection containers with waste added to the collection column.

One problem in common with many of the above devices is overspill of waste content. This problem is particularly apparent with those devices having components located exterior to a property, where storage containers and the like are located in housings generally out of sight.

I Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system to facilitate the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable material. In particular, there is a need for an improved system to facilitate the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable material, wherein means are provided to detect when a receptacle is full and for indicating to a user that the receptacle is full.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a waste recycling system, the system comprising:

a plurality of conduits, each conduit having a first opening at a first end into which waste material may be placed and a second opening at a second end;

a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle disposed to receive waste material leaving a respective conduit through the second opening in the conduit;

means for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle; and means for indicating to a user the amount of waste in the said receptacle.

The present invention provides a waste recycling system. In particular, the present invention provides a waste recycling system that facilitates the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable waste. In this respect, the waste recycling system is of use in collecting waste recycling material and provides means for the storage of recyclable waste material in predetermined receptacles.

The system of the present invention may be used to dispose of, sort and store many different types of waste materials. In particular, the system of the present invention may be used to dispose of, sort and store different types of recyclable domestic waste, including but not limited to paper, card, plastic, glass, metal and the like. The system finds similar use in non-domestic locations, such as offices and light industrial locations.

The system of the present invention is particularly suited for installation and use in a domestic location, more particularly in a dwelling such as a house or apartment, especially for installation in and/or use from the kitchen of such a dwelling.

As indicated above, , the waste recycling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of conduits. In use, said conduits are provided to form a passage into which waste material may be entered or placed and subsequently travel to a respective receptacle for collection, storage and subsequent removal, for example for transporting or shipping to a suitable facility for recycling the waste material.

Each conduit is provided with an opening in a first end, into which the waste material may be placed or passed. Waste material passes along the conduit to a second end having a second opening, from where the waste material leaves the conduit and enters a respective receptacle.

The system is arranged to have the first opening of each conduit accessible by a user wishing to dispose of waste material, in particular waste material to be recycled. The first opening of each conduit may thus be disposed in any suitable location and position to facilitate use. In particular, the system is preferably arranged and installed to have the first openings of the conduits within a building.

In one embodiment, the system is installed wholly within a building, such that the conduits extend with their first opening at a first location in the building to the receptacles at a second location within the building. The first and second locations may be any suitable locations. In particular, the first location may be a kitchen within a dwelling. Alternatively, the first location may be a communal or general location within a building, located to serve several different users. The second location may be any suitable location for the receptacles, preferably a location allowing the receptacles to be emptied and the waste materials collected therein removed.

In one preferred embodiment, the conduits extend from within the building to an exterior location. In this respect, each conduit of this embodiment may to considered to extend from a substantially innermost or interior portion of the system to a substantially outermost or exterior portion of the system. In this way, the system may be accessed and used from within a building, such as the kitchen of a dwelling, but the receptacles for holding the waste materials are located outside the dwelling, for example in a dedicated housing or enclosure.

In this embodiment, each conduit of the system when installed extends through an exterior wall of the building. The system of the present invention may be used with a building having any type of exterior wall construction and of any thickness. The exterior wall may be of the 'single skin' type comprising a single wall section. Alternatively, the exterior wall may be of a double skin or 'cavity' type comprising two wall sections separated and spaced apart by a generally hollow section or cavity.

Each conduit may be arranged in a suitable manner to convey waste material from the location of the first end of the conduit to the location of the second end of the conduit. For example, each conduit may be arranged to extend substantially horizontally between its first end and its second end. In a more preferred arrangement, each conduit is arranged to have at least a portion thereof extending at an angle. More preferably, each conduit is arranged with the first opening at a first end to be at a higher elevation than the second opening at a second end. In this arrangement, waste can pass along the conduit under gravity with no further means required to convey the waste material during the operation of the system.

If gravity is not employed to convey the waste material along the conduits, other means will be required. Suitable means for conveying waste along the conduits are known, such as air by way of a pneumatic system, or the like.

The conduits may be of any suitable shape to allow for the transit of waste from the user to the receptacles. In a preferred arrangement, each conduit is generally tubular. Each conduit may consist of a single member or may comprise a plurality of interconnected conduit members, arranged to allow the length of each conduit to be suited to the building or location.

The conduits may be of any suitable material that provides the required strength and rigidity to be installed and convey the waste material. Suitable materials are known and are commercially available. The material of the conduits is preferably plastic. Alternatively the conduits may be constructed from a metal, in particular a lightweight metal or alloys thereof, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

As described above, the conduits have a generally tubular construction. The tubing may be of any suitable thickness to provide the required strength and rigidity required for installation and use. The thickness of the tubing will depend on such factors including the materia) of construction and the waste material to be conveyed. The thickness of the tubing may also depend on other factors, such as those set out in applicable building regulations. The conduits may have any suitable dimensions to allow the easy throughput of waste material. For a generally tubular conduit, the inner diameter is preferably at least 5 cm, in particular in the range of from 5 cm to 50 cm, more preferably from 10 cm to 30 cm. An outer diameter of about 15 cm is suitable for many embodiments. In a preferred arrangement, the conduits are provided with protection, in particular to provide insulation and/or protection against heat and/or fire. For example, the conduits may be provided with a suitable insulating or fire resistant coating. More preferably, each conduit extends within a protective sleeve for insulating and/or protecting the conduit from exposure to heat and/or fire. If present, the fire resistant sleeves are preferably from 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick, more preferably from 0.7 to 1.3 inches, still more preferably from 0.9 to 1.1 inches. Suitable insulating and/or fire resistant materials for forming the sleeve are known in the art and are commercially available. Examples include insulating and fire resistant foams. In addition, it is preferred to provide means at each of the first openings to provide insulation and/or fire resistance. The said means may be provided around the first opening and/or on a respective releasable closure means, as described hereinafter, if provided. Suitable insulation and/or fire resistant materials are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable materials include intumescent materials. In one embodiment, the first opening of each conduit is preferably provided with a layer comprising an intumescent material, for example in the form of a strip or ring extending around the opening, to compliment conduits cross section.

In one embodiment the conduits are arranged to terminate at the first end with the first opening open, that is uncovered and freely accessible. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each conduit is provided with a releasable closure means to close and, more preferably to seal, the opening in the first end when waste material is not being placed in the conduit. In one embodiment, each conduit is provided with a cover releasably mounted to the first end, the cover being removed to place waste material in the conduit and thereafter replaced to close and, preferably, seal the opening in the first end. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is moveable between an open position and a closed position, more preferably with the cover being biased into the closed position. The cover may be slidable between the open and closed positions. More preferably, the cover is pivotably mounted. The cover may be biased into the closed position by gravity. Other means, such as a spring, may also be used to bias the cover. The system may be provided with a lock to releasably secure the cover in either the open or the closed position. Any suitable form of lock may be used. In one embodiment, the cover is releasably held in the closed position by a lock, such as a magnetic lock. One or more seals are preferably provided to seal the first opening in the conduit when the cover is in the closed position.

The releasable closure means may be provided with an insulating material, to provide insulation at the first opening of the conduit. The insulating material preferably extends around or over the first opening in the conduit. In one preferred embodiment, the closure means is provided with a layer of insulating material on its inner surface, that is the surface which faces the first opening of the conduit. The insulating material may be arranged in any suitable way and may cover the entire surface of the closure means or only a part thereof. The internal surface of the cover may further comprise a strip or ring or intumescent material as discussed above.

The system of the present invention allows for waste materials to be separated and disposed of at their point of production or use. In particular, the system allows each conduit and the respective receptacle to be assigned or dedicated to a particular waste material. The system therefore comprises a plurality of conduits. The conduits may be the same dimension and shape, or may be different dimensions and shapes, for example with the features of the conduit being selected according to the waste material to be conveyed therein. The conduits in the system are most conveniently the same. The system is preferably provided with a means to indicate the waste material to be placed in and conveyed by each conduit. Any suitable indication means may be employed, for example the use of symbols and/or different colours. The indication means, if employed, is applied to the first end of the conduit, to assist the user in identify the appropriate conduit for a given waste material. Preferably, the indication means are also applied to the second end of the conduit, for proper assignment of the receptacles, as discussed in more detail below.

The waste recycling system of the present invention further comprises a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle being disposed to receive waste material leaving a respective conduit. In use, the receptacles are provided to receive waste leaving a respective conduit and to store the waste for later collection and/or disposal. Any form of receptacle suitable for holding the waste material may be used. The receptacles may be provided in the form of a single container comprising a plurality of compartments, each compartment forming a receptacle for a respective conduit. A more preferred arrangement is to provide a plurality of individual receptacles each arranged to receive waste from a respective conduit.

The receptacles may be any shape to allow for the collection of waste. In one embodiment, the receptacles are generally rectangular in both horizontal and vertical cross section. Alternative shapes and configurations thereof may also be used.

The receptacles of the system may be of any suitable material, preferably one that is easily cleaned, especially a washable material. One preferred material is plastic, allowing for the receptacles to be manufactured in bulk by injection moulding or similar manufacturing techniques. Alternatively the receptacles may be constructed from a metal. One particularly suitable material is steel, in particular stainless steel. Alternative suitable materials such as aluminium and aluminium alloys may also be used.

The receptacles may be of any suitable size for containing collected waste. The volume of the receptacles will be determined by such factors as the space available to accommodate the receptacles, the nature of the waste material being held in the receptacle, and the volume and/or mass of waste material required to be held in the receptacle. The receptacles may be different in their size, shape and manner of construction, for example to tailor each receptacle according to the factors mentioned above. More preferably and for convenience, the receptacles are the same shape and configuration. The receptacles may be provided with locking means to enable individual receptacles to be locked together. The locking means may be of any suitable configuration. For example, the locking means may comprise one or more push-fit connectors located on each receptacle, allowing the user to lock individual receptacles together by simply applying the locking means from one receptacle to an adjacent receptacle. An alternative locking means for securing the receptacles may be provided in the form of a profile cut into a base, for example the base of the housing if employed, in which the receptacles sit and are located. In this arrangement, a base plate may be provided to be secured to the base of the housing, the base plate comprising a number of extension portions. The extending portions may be provided to match and accommodate the outer cross section of the base of the receptacles, such that the receptacles may fit into or between the extending portions and as such be secured in place. As with the conduits, the receptacles may be assigned or dedicated to a particular waste material. This assignment may be indicated by any suitable means, for example the size and/or shape of the receptacle. More preferably, the receptacles are provided with indication means, such as symbols and/or colours, to identify the waste material for each receptacle. As noted above, the second end of each conduit is preferably provided with an appropriate indication means, to allow a corresponding receptacle to be placed below the second opening of the conduit.

In one embodiment, the receptacles are formed from coloured plastic, allowing for easy identification of the receptacle and its waste material.

The receptacles may be located in any suitable manner to receive waste material leaving the second end of the conduit. In a preferred embodiment, for example when the receptacles are located outside a building, the receptacles are provided with a housing. For example, the receptacles may each be located within a respective housing. In a more preferred embodiment, the receptacles are located in a single housing. The or each housing may be of any suitable form. The housing may be purpose made for the system. Alternatively, the system may employ an existing structure, such as an outbuilding or the like, as the housing for the receptacles. The housing may be of any suitable material for storing the receptacles, preferably one that is easily cleaned and that offers some weather resistance, if located external to a building. Suitable materials may include metals or alloys thereof, particularly steel and stainless steel, aluminium or alloys thereof. An alternative material is plastic. A further alternative is to form the housing from materials such as brick, concrete and the like. As also noted, the housing may employ an existing structure or outbuilding.

The housing may be of any suitable size for housing the receptacles. The size of the housing may be determined by the size, shape and number of receptacles to be housed. The housing preferably comprises means to ventilate the interior of the housing, for example one or more ventilation grills.

In use, the system is used to convey waste material from a first location of use or generation of the material to the receptacles, to a location remote from the first location for storage in the receptacles. When the system is in use, the receptacles will require emptying. Accordingly, any housing provided should be formed to provide access to the receptacles, either to remove waste material from the receptacles or to remove each receptacle from the. housing for emptying. Suitable access may be provided by one or more doors, hatches, flaps, panels or the like.

The waste recycling system of the present invention also comprises means for detecting the amount of waste material in each receptacle, that is the extent to which the receptacle is empty or full. The said means may be arranged to detect any amount between empty and full. More preferably, the detecting means are arranged only to detect when the amount of waste material in the receptacle reaches a predetermined level, in particular when the receptacle is considered to be full. The detection means may measure or monitor the volume of waste material in the receptacle and/or the mass of material in the receptacle. A receptacle may be considered to be 'full', for example, when the volume of waste material in the receptacle is close to or the same as the volume of the receptacle. Alternatively, a receptacle may be considered to be 'full' when the weight of the receptacle reaches or exceeds a predetermined weight, for example the maximum weight specified for allowing the receptacle containing waste material to be moved. The means for detecting the amount of waste material in the receptacle operates in cooperation with an indication means for providing information to a user on the amount of waste material collected. The means for detecting the amount of waste material in the receptacle may operate continuously or intermittently throughout the use of the system, to monitor the accumulation of waste material in the receptacles. This allows a user to receive an indication of the amount of waste in the receptacle throughout the use of the system. Alternatively, the detection means may be triggered by an event, for example the deposit of waste material in an empty receptacle or, more preferably, when a predetermined amount of waste material has accumulated in a receptacle. In this way, the user is only provided with an indication and alerted when the detection means is triggered. Any suitable detection means may be employed to monitor the amount of waste material accumulated, in each receptacle. For example, the detection means may comprise a camera for providing images to a user of the interior of each receptacle. Alternatively, the detection means may comprise a mechanical indicator. The detection means may comprise means for measuring the weight of the receptacle, to determine the mass of waste material collected therein. Preferably, the detection means is operable to monitor the volume of waste material in each receptacle.

In one preferred embodiment, the detection means may comprise a light emitting sensor, such as an infrared sensor, generating one or more light beams extending into or across the interior of the receptacle. In one preferred arrangement, the sensor generates a beam extending across the interior of the receptacle, most preferably perpendicular to the vertical axis of the receptacle, at a position corresponding to the receptacle being full. In this way, when the beam is continuously broken by waste material accumulated in the receptacle the user receives an indication that the receptacle requires emptying.

A plurality of such sensors may be used, with the sensors being disposed to monitor the waste material at different heights within the receptacle. In this way, the user may be provided with an indication of the extent to which the receptacle is full. As noted, the system of the present invention further comprises means for indicating to a user the amount of waste material in the receptacles. Any suitable indication means may be used. Such means may be determined by the detection means used to monitor the contents of the receptacles. For example, the indication means may comprise a display, such as a screen showing an image of the interior of the receptacles. More preferably, the display comprises an array of one or more lights, such as light emitting diodes or the like. The number and arrangement of the lights will depend upon the information to be indicated to the user. For example, a single light may be used to indicate when one or more receptacles is full and requires emptying. Alternatively, a plurality of lights may be provided, one for each receptacle. As a further alternative, a plurality of lights may be provided to indicate the amount or level of waste material in a receptacle. Another problem associated with such recycling devices is the overfilling of storage receptacles and as a result overspill of the system. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system to facilitate the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable material. In particular, there is a need for an improved system to facilitate the disposal, sorting and storage of recyclable material, wherein means are provided to prevent the overspill of waste material from the system.

In a second aspect, the present invent/on provides a waste recycling system, the system comprising:

wherein the system comprises means for preventing waste entering a receptacle when the amount of waste in the receptacle exceeds a predetermined amount.

Details of the conduits and the receptacles are as hereinbefore described. As noted above, the waste recycling system of this aspect of the present invention comprises means for preventing waste entering a receptacle when the amount of waste in the receptacle exceeds a predetermined amount. As discussed hereinbefore, the amount of waste may be determined on a volume basis, such that waste material is prevented from entering a receptacle when the interior of the receptacle is full. Alternatively, the amount of waste may be determined on a mass basis, that is waste material is prevented from entering the receptacle when a predetermined weight has been collected. Any suitable means for preventing waste entering a receptacle may be used.

The means may be operable to prevent the user from placing waste material into the first end of a conduit when the corresponding receptacle is full. For example, the first end of the conduit may be provided with a cover, as hereinbefore described, the cover being locked in a closed position when the corresponding receptacle is full. The locking of the cover may be activated by a suitable detection means for monitoring the amount of waste in the receptacle, as hereinbefore described.

In an alternative arrangement, the second end of the conduit is provided with a cover of the type described above for the first end of the conduit. The cover on the second end is locked in the closed position when the corresponding receptacle is full, preventing waste material leaving the conduit. More particularly, the means for preventing waste entering a receptacle may be provided in the form of a hinged flap located at the second opening at a second end of a conduit. The flap is preferably biased into the closed position, for example the flap may be arranged to close under the action of gravity. The flap is arranged to be prevented from being opened once the waste material content of a receptacle has reached a predetermined maximum. In this respect, the flap will be unable to open and as such prevent further waste from entering a receptacle.

Again, the cover at the second end of the conduit may be activated by a suitable detection means, as hereinbefore described.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective representation of part of one embodiment of a waste recycling system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view of the interior portion of the system of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the external portion of the system of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1 , a waste recycling system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, generally indicated as 2. The waste recycling system 2 comprises a plurality of generally tubular conduits 4, each having a circular cross-section. The conduits 4, as installed, extend through a wall generally indicated as 6, the wall comprising an inner section 8 and an outer section 10. The inner section of the wall 8 is separated from the outer section of the wall 10 by means of a cavity 12. This wall assembly is of a conventional configuration and is well known in the art. The conduits 4 are arranged to extend from the interior side 14 of the inner section of the wall 8 to the exterior side 16 of the outer section of the wall 10. The system shown in the figures extends from the interior of the building to the exterior, as described above. However, it is to be understood that the system may be installed in analogous manner to transport and collect waste materials within a building, from one part of the interior to another. Each conduit 4 is provided with a first opening 18 at its innermost end, the first opening being located at the interior side 14 of the inner section of the wall 8. Each conduit 4 is further provided with a second opening 20 at its outermost end, the second opening being located at the exterior side 16 of the outer section of the wall 10. Each conduit 4 further comprises a fire-retardent and insulating sleeve 5, which extends around and covers the exterior surface of the conduit 4.

The conduits 4 are each installed to extend at an angle through the wall 10, such that the conduit extends downwards from the innermost portion of the system to the outermost portion of the system, as shown in Figure 1. In use, waste material may be entered or placed into the first opening 18 of a conduit 4 and allowed to fall, by gravity, to reach the second opening 20 of a conduit 4. Waste material then leaves the conduit 4 through the second opening 20 and enters a respective receptacle 26 (described in more detail below), where the waste may be stored for subsequent removal.

As described above, the conduits 4 are generally tubular to allow for the transit of waste from the innermost end of the system to the outermost portion of the system. The conduits 4 may be telescopic in construction, that is to allow their length to be adjusted to suit a range of wall thicknesses when installed. The conduits 4 are of plastic, with suitable thickness to suit the intended application. The specified thickness may depend on such factors as applicable building regulations, the nature of the waste material to be transported through the conduit, and the like.

With reference to Figure 2, the conduits 4 are each provided with releasable closure means, generally indicated as 28. The releasable closure means 28 serve close and to seal the first opening 18 of the respective conduit 4. The releasable closure means 28 comprises a mounting plate 30 fixed to the interior side 14 of the inner section of the wall 8, where the first opening 18 of the conduit 4 terminates. The releasable closure means 28 further comprises a cover 32, which may be removed or raised to allow waste material to be placed in the conduit 4 and thereafter closed to again seal the first opening 18 of a conduit 4. The cover 32 of the releasable closure means 28 is arranged to be biased to close, in particular under the force of gravity. Alternatively a spring or other biasing means may be provided to bias the cover 32 closed. The cover 32 further comprises a layer of insulation 33 arranged on the inner surface which seals the opening 18 of conduit 4. The inner surface of the cover 32 further comprises an intumescent fire strip or ring 35 extending around the opening 18 of the conduit 4 when the cover 32 is in the closed position. Alternatively, or in addition, a similar strip of intumescent material may be provided around the opening 18.

The releasable closure means 28 may be provided with means to differentiate between different types of waste. Such means may be provided in a number of forms. In one example, the mounting plate 30 provided for each conduit 4 is coloured to correspond to or indicate one form of waste. In this arrangement a number of different mounting plates 30 are provided to allow for the differentiation and collection of different forms of waste. Alternatively, each cover 32 may be provided with a label or similar to differentiate between different types of waste material.

The system 2 further comprises a housing 34 for housing a plurality of receptacles 26, shown in Figure 1 at the exterior side of the building. The housing 34 comprises side panels 36, a plurality of access doors or panels 38 and a lid 40 (see Figure 3). The side panels 36 further comprises one or more ventilation grills 37 as shown in Figure 1 , to ventilate the interior of the housing 34.. When installed, the back of the housing 42 is secured to the exterior side 16 of the outer section of the wall 10. The housing 34 is provided to house the receptacles 26, thus allowing for the storage of waste material when the system 2 is in use. When the system 2 is in use, the receptacles will require emptying. Accordingly, the housing doors or panels 38 may be opened or removed to allow access to the receptacles 26 or to remove the receptacles 26 from the housing 34 for emptying.

The receptacles 26 are of a generally rectangular cross-section and are arranged to collect waste material after it has passed through and left a respective conduit 4 at the second opening 20. As such a corresponding receptacle 26 is provided for each conduit 4, each receptacle 26 being provided to allow the collection of different types of waste from the conduit.

In a similar manner to that described above, each receptacle 26 may be coloured according to a particular type of waste. Alternatively, the second opening 20 of each conduit 4 may be coloured or marked otherwise to correspond with the identification provided at the innermost portion of the system, specifically identification provided on the mounting plate 30 or cover 32.

The system 2 further comprises means for detecting the amount of waste material in each receptacle 44. The means for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle 44 operates in cooperation with an indication means for providing information to a user on the amount of waste material collected 46.

The means for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle 44 is provided within and is mounted on the back of the housing 42. In order to provide an accurate level of waste within the receptacle 26, the means for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle 44 is located at a suitable position on or close to the receptacle, such as at or just above the top or uppermost portion of each receptacle 26. The detection means 44 generates a beam of light that extends at the desired level, such as across the top of each receptacle 26. In this way, the detection means 44, in operation, is set to provide a beam of light that extends from the back of the housing 42 to the front of the housing 48. In this form, the beam of the detection means 44 extends across the interior of the housing 42, perpendicular to the vertical axis of the receptacle, at a position corresponding to the receptacle being full. The detection means 44 is arranged to operate intermittently or continuously when the system 2 is in use. In this manner, a user receives an indication that one or more of the receptacles 26 requires emptying.

As described above, the means for detecting the amount of waste material in a receptacle 44 operates in cooperation with an indication means for providing information to a user on the amount of waste material collected 46. The indication means 46 is provided to inform the user about the contents of the receptacle, in particular when a receptacle 26 is full. When the system is in use, the indication means 46 is activated when the beam of light provided by the detection means 44 is continuously broken as a result of waste material blocking the path of the beam of light. As shown in Figure 2, the indication means 46 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes 50, one for each receptacle 44. The lights may be provided on a panel 52 as shown in Figure 2, or alternatively may be housed on the mounting plate 30 and beneath the cover 32 of each conduit.

Claims

1. A waste recycling system, the system comprising:

2. A waste recycling system according to claim 1 , wherein the first openings of the conduits are located within a building.

3. A waste recycling system according to claim 2, wherein the first openings of the conduits are located within a kitchen.

4. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second openings of the conduits are located exterior of a building.

5. A waste recycling system according to claim 4, wherein the conduits extend from within the building to an exterior location.

6. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein each conduit is arranged with the first opening at a first end to be at a higher elevation than the second opening at a second end.

7. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, further comprising means providing insulation or fire-retardance at the first opening of each conduit.

8. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein each conduit is generally tubular.

9. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, further comprising means providing insulation and/or fire-resistance to each conduit.

10. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein each conduit is provided with a releasable closure means to seal the first opening when waste materials is not being placed in the conduit.

11. A waste recycling system according to claim 10, wherein the releasable closure means is biased into a closed position.

12. A waste recycling system according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the the closure means comprises an insulation material for insulating the first opening of the conduit.

13. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein each conduit is provided with indication means at a first end, to assist a user in the identification of a particular type of waste material.

14. A waste recycling system according to claim 13, wherein said identification means is also employed at the second end of each conduit.

15. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacles are generally rectangular.

16. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacles are provided with locking means to enable individual receptacles to be locked together.

17. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacles are provided with indication means, to assist a user in the identification of a particular type of waste material.

18. A waste recycling system according to claim 17, wherein said identification means comprises symbols and/or colours.

19. A waste recycling system according to claim 18, wherein corresponding identification means is also employed at the second end of each conduit.

20. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacles are disposed within a housing.

21. A waste recycling system according to claim 20, wherein the housing comprises means to provide access to the receptacles.

22. A waste recycling system according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the housing comprises one or more ventilation means.

23. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises means for detecting the amount of waste in each receptacle.

24. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection means are arranged to detect when the amount of waste material in a receptacle reaches a predetermined level.

25. A waste recycling system according to claim 24, wherein the detection means detects the volume of waste material in a receptacle.

26. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection means detects the weight of waste material in a receptacle.

27. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection means comprises a light emitting sensor for generating one or more light beams extending across a receptacle.

28. A waste recycling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection means for monitoring the level of waste in a receptacle operates in cooperation with an indication means for providing information to a user on the amount of waste material in a receptacle.

29. A waste recycling system according to claim 28, wherein the indication means comprises a display, the display comprising an array of one or more lights.

30. A waste recycling system according to claim 29, wherein said indication means comprises a plurality of lights, each receptacle having at least one corresponding light.

31. A waste recycling system, the system comprising:

32. A waste recycling system according to claim 31, wherein the system comprises means for preventing waste entering a receptacle when the amount of waste in the receptacle exceeds a predetermined amount, wherein the amount is determined on a volume basis.

33. A waste recycling system according to claim 31 , wherein the system comprises means for preventing waste entering a receptacle when the amount of waste in the receptacle exceeds a predetermined amount, wherein the amount is determined on a mass basis.

34. A waste recycling system according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the means for preventing waste from entering a receptacle is located at a first end of the conduit.

35. A waste recycling according to claim 34, wherein said means for preventing waste from entering a receptacle comprises a cover that may be locked in a closed position, thus preventing waste from being entered into a conduit, when the corresponding receptacle is full.