RECYCLINGSYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a recycling system according to claim 1 and a method for operating a recycling system according to claim 11. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A system for monitoring recycling goods has become known from US 2015 / 0348252. In particular, US 2015 / 0348252 discloses the monitoring of the fill level of a collection container. According to the Figure 1 This document provides a camera system for monitoring the open collection container. This captures an image of the interior of the collection container. This image is used to determine whether a certain fill level limit has been reached. If the fill level limit is reached, a responsible user is notified accordingly, and collection of the collection container is scheduled.

[0003] A disadvantage of the technical teaching of US 2015 / 0348252 is that the camera system can only monitor open containers. Especially in Central European countries, collection containers in recycling centers are often located outdoors and are therefore locked. Furthermore, there is a trend toward so-called underground containers, in which the collection containers are sunk below ground level and filled via a shaft. Therefore, the monitoring system according to US 2015 / 0348252 cannot be used if a clear view of the recycled material in the collection container is prevented.

[0004] EP3671676A1 discloses a collection container with a camera for detecting and measuring the volume of the goods to be inserted in front of the insertion opening and with an evaluation unit for determining the fill level of the container based on the volume measurement. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on this prior art, the invention seeks to provide a recycling system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a recycling system is to be provided that allows information to be obtained about the recyclable material that has been deposited into a substantially closed collection container.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a recycling system comprises at least one collection container with a collection space and at least one insertion opening through which a recyclable material is inserted into the collection space, at least one sensor unit for detecting the recyclable material to be inserted into the collection space, and at least one evaluation unit which is connected to the at least one sensor unit via a data connection. The at least one sensor unit monitors a monitoring space located in front of the insertion opening in such a way that the recyclable material entering the monitoring space can be detected. The at least one sensor unit is designed in such a way that data can be generated with the sensor unit which includes information about the said recyclable material entering the monitoring space.The data can be transmitted to the evaluation unit via the data connection, whereby the evaluation unit is designed in such a way that the data can be further processed to obtain information about the condition of the collection container or about the condition of the recycled material thrown into the collection container.

[0007] The sensor unit is designed to monitor a specific area in front of the drop-in opening. This allows the sensor unit to be used even with closed collection containers. Monitoring the collection area is not necessary to obtain the information described.

[0008] Furthermore, monitoring the surveillance area has the advantage that an efficient use of the sensor unit can be achieved and other effects are masked out in advance or not recorded at all.

[0009] The monitoring chamber is located in front of the feed opening and thus outside the collection area. Preferably, the at least one sensor unit is located outside the collection area, which has the advantage that it does not come into contact with the recyclable material.

[0010] Preferably, the recycled material is detected by the sensor unit as it moves into the monitoring space. It is also conceivable for the recycled material to be detected by the sensor unit as it moves through the monitoring space.

[0011] Preferably, the sensor unit detects the recycled material from the time it enters the monitoring space until it leaves the monitoring space or over a certain period of time during the movement in the monitoring space.

[0012] The sensor unit can, for example, capture a static and / or a dynamic image. Simultaneous capture of a static and a dynamic image is also conceivable. This means that the data preferably includes image data of the recycling material captured either statically or dynamically, or both statically and dynamically.

[0013] In a first variant claimed in claim 1, the data comprise the number of recycling goods thrown in, wherein the evaluation unit is designed such that the fill level of the collection container can be determined on the basis of the recorded number of recycling goods thrown in.

[0014] This makes it very easy to determine the approximate fill level. This type of detection is particularly advantageous for recycled materials that are always roughly the same size, such as beverage cans or food cans.

[0015] According to the first variant, the collection container is assigned purpose data that references the type of recyclable material to be collected. Based on the type of recyclable material to be collected and the recorded number of recyclable materials deposited, the determined fill level can be corrected using a correction factor assigned to the purpose of the collection container. The purpose data is preferably recorded by the at least one sensor unit and transmitted to the evaluation unit.

[0016] The purpose data can be captured by at least one sensor unit, for example, based on the external shape of the container or based on a code attached to the container. The purpose data can be stored in the evaluation unit and further processed for the purposes of information retrieval.

[0017] In one example, the intended use data refers to glass bottles. In an empty collection container, the first glass bottles thrown in do not shatter upon impact with the bottom of the container. Shattering only occurs above a certain fill level. This is reached when thrown-in glass bottles collide with glass bottles already in the container and the fall height is sufficiently high. As the fill level increases, the fall height decreases, and with it the number of broken bottles.

[0018] In another example, the intended use data indicates waste cardboard. As a collection container fills up, a certain amount of compression occurs, with the lower cardboard layers being compressed by the weight of the upper cardboard layers.

[0019] By correcting the fill level, effects such as bottle bursting or compression can be taken into account, particularly for calibration purposes. This results in a more accurate fill level determination than with a model that assumes a linear increase in fill level with the number of objects inserted.

[0020] In a second variant claimed in claim 1, the evaluation unit is designed such that for each recycled material thrown in, the volume of the recycled material thrown in can be determined on the basis of the recorded data, and that the evaluation unit is further designed such that the fill level of the collection container can be determined on the basis of the recorded volumes.

[0021] Recording the volumes of individual recycled goods offers the advantage of being able to determine the fill level very precisely. This recording is particularly useful where the recycled goods vary greatly in size. The volumes can be extracted from the captured images, for example, using pattern recognition.

[0022] According to the second variant, purpose data is assigned to the collection container, which refers to the type of recycling material to be collected, whereby the determined fill level can be corrected by a correction factor assigned to the purpose of the collection container based on the type of recycling material to be collected (R) and the determined volume of the recycling material (R).

[0023] This provides the advantages mentioned above in connection with the detection of the quantity and the corresponding correction. The target data is preferably recorded by the at least one sensor unit and transmitted to the evaluation unit. The correction of the fill level or volume can preferably be carried out continuously.

[0024] Alternatively, the correction of the fill level or volume can be carried out when predetermined values ​​or when predetermined ranges are reached and no correction is carried out for other values ​​or other ranges.

[0025] This means, with regard to the volume, that when predetermined volumes or predetermined volume ranges are reached, the correction can be carried out and that no correction is carried out for other volumes or other volume ranges.

[0026] With regard to the fill level, this means that when predetermined fill level values ​​or when pre-determined fill level ranges are reached, the correction can be carried out and that no correction is carried out for other fill level values ​​or other fill level ranges.

[0027] Preferably, the evaluation unit is designed such that a specific fill level can be compared with a fill level limit value or a specific volume with a volume limit value, wherein when the limit value is reached, the evaluation unit provides a message via a communication system.

[0028] The message can be used to summon a transport company to empty or replace the collection container. It is also conceivable to use the message to activate a signaling device such as a signal light. In other variants, it would also be possible to use the message to activate the collection container, causing its openings to be closed with a locking device or similar device.

[0029] Preferably, for each recycled material thrown in, the color and / or the material of the recycled material thrown in can be determined by the evaluation unit on the basis of the recorded data, wherein the evaluation unit is designed in such a way that the color mixture of the recycled material in the collection container can be determined on the basis of the recorded colors or that the material mixture of the recycled material in the collection container can be determined on the basis of the recorded materials.

[0030] Preferably, the evaluation unit is designed such that the data of the inserted recycling material can be compared with the data of a predetermined specification, wherein in the event of a deviation between the two data sets, a signal, in particular an alarm signal or a control signal, can be output and / or wherein a deviation can be processed in the evaluation unit such that the composition of the inserted recycling material can be determined.

[0031] The alarm signal can be used to signal a warning via a suitable device, such as a warning light or indicator. This can be used, for example, in the event of an incorrect insertion, such as a tin can being placed in a container designated for incorrect items.

[0032] Preferably, the data is provided with the specified specifications based on the collection container. This means that the collection container is assigned purpose data that references the type of recyclable material to be collected, thus providing the corresponding specifications. The purpose data can be recorded using the at least one sensor unit as described above.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit exclusively monitors the said monitoring area. This means that the sensor unit does not monitor the areas outside the monitoring area. This is preferably done using electronic image processing. This delimits the monitoring area so that it only encompasses a small section around the collection container's drop-in openings, relative to the entire area captured by a camera. This allows, for example, individuals to be filtered out of the images captured by this camera, thus meeting high privacy requirements.

[0034] Preferably, said monitoring space is defined by a spatial area which extends from the edges of the insertion opening by a maximum of 50 centimetres, in particular by a maximum of 30 centimetres, away from said edges.

[0035] In one variant, the said spatial area has the shape of a cylinder with a circular cross-section, wherein the central axis of the cylinder is collinear with the central axis of the insertion opening and wherein the cylinder has a diameter of 50 centimeters and a length of 50 centimeters.

[0036] In another variant, the said room area has the shape of a cuboid, with the insertion opening located centrally on one side of the cuboid and the cuboid having a side length of 50 centimeters.

[0037] If a collection container is replaced, calibration is typically carried out so that the said room area is again assigned to the corresponding opening(s).

[0038] Preferably, the monitoring room is located exclusively outside the collection container.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit is arranged outside the collection container. This means that the at least one sensor unit is arranged outside the collection space.

[0040] Preferably, the collection container is designed as a closed collection container, apart from the at least one insertion opening. In particular, the collection container has a bottom wall, side walls extending from the bottom wall, and a lid wall. The lid wall closes the collection container at the top.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit comprises an infrared camera or a video camera.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit records further data and provides corresponding data sets for further processing in the evaluation unit.

[0043] The additional data in question include, for example, weather data and / or data on visitor frequency and / or data on the cleanliness of the recycling system.

[0044] Preferably, one monitoring space is assigned to each insertion opening, with at least one sensor unit being assigned to the monitoring space.

[0045] In the case of a plurality of insertion openings, a monitoring space is preferably assigned to each insertion opening, with at least one sensor unit being assigned to each monitoring space, or with at least one or exactly one sensor unit being assigned to a plurality of monitoring spaces.

[0046] In other variants, it is conceivable that a monitoring space extends over several insertion openings, with at least one sensor unit being assigned to the monitoring space.

[0047] Furthermore, it is conceivable that an insertion opening or a monitoring area is monitored by more than one sensor unit.

[0048] A method for operating a recycling system as described above is characterized in that the sensor unit generates data containing information about the recyclable material entering the monitoring area. The data is transmitted via the data connection to the evaluation unit, which is configured to further process the data to obtain information about the condition of the collection container.

[0049] A computer program product comprises a computer-readable medium with computer program code means contained therein for controlling one or more processors of the above-described evaluation unit of the recycling system in the form of a computer, which computer has at least one processor, a data connection operatively connected to the processor, which is further operatively connected to the at least one sensor unit, wherein the data acquired by the sensor unit can be transmitted to the computer for evaluation with the purpose of obtaining information, and wherein the computer program code means is designed to obtain information about the condition of the collection container or about the condition of the recyclable material thrown into the collection container.

[0050] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a recycling system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a collection container of the recycling system according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 3 a schematic view of an embodiment of the evaluation of collected recycling material; Fig. 4 a schematic front view of a collection container of the recycling system according to Figure 1 ; and Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a collection container of the recycling system according to Figure 1 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In the Figure 1a schematic view of a recycling system 1 is shown. The recycling system 1 comprises at least one collection container 2, at least one sensor unit 5 and at least one evaluation unit 6. In the embodiment shown according to the Figure 1 Three collection containers 2 are located at a recycling point 15.

[0053] The collection container 2 has a collection space 3 and at least one insertion opening 4. A recyclable material R is inserted into the collection space 3 via the insertion opening 4. The at least one sensor unit 5 serves to detect the recyclable material R that is inserted into the collection space 3. The at least one evaluation unit 6 is connected to the at least one sensor unit 5 via a data connection 7. The at least one sensor unit 5 detects a monitoring space 8 located in front of the insertion opening 4. The monitoring space 8 is monitored by the at least one sensor unit 5 in such a way that the recyclable material R entering the monitoring space 8 can be detected. The monitoring space 8 is located in front of the insertion opening 4, so that all recyclable material R to be fed into the insertion opening 4 passes through the monitoring space 8 accordingly. According to the Figure 1All three collection containers 2 are monitored with a sensor unit 5, whereby the sensor unit 5 only focuses on or monitors the respective monitoring rooms 8.

[0054] The at least one sensor unit 5 is designed such that data D can be generated. The data D contains information about the recycling material R entering the monitoring space 8 and being fed into the insertion opening 4. The data D is transmitted from the sensor unit 5 via the data connection 7 to the evaluation unit 6. The evaluation unit 6 is designed such that the data D can be further processed to obtain information about the condition of the collection container and / or the condition of the recycling material R inserted into the collection container 2. For example, the fill level of the collection container 2 can be determined, or the quality of the inserted recycling material can be determined. The data D thus forms the basis for further processing in the evaluation unit 6.

[0055] The evaluation unit 6 is, for example, a computer. The evaluation unit 6 can be located on-site near the collection container 2 or at a remote location. The data connection 7 can be a wired or wireless data connection. Typically, the data connection is provided by a network, such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the recycling system further comprises a communication system 9, which is connected to the evaluation unit 6. For example, when a certain fill level is reached, the evaluation unit 6 can send a message 10 via the communication system 9, which initiates the emptying or replacement of the collection container 2 with a transport means 11.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the evaluation unit 6 further comprises a data memory 12 for storing information obtained from the data D and / or for recording the data D.

[0058] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 6 is connected to a signal generator 13 via the communication system 9. Various signals can be emitted via the signal generator 13. For example, an acoustic and / or visual alarm signal. Control signals can also be emitted, for example, to a locking element for closing the insertion opening.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the system comprises an optional display device 14, via which a plant operator can gain access to the evaluation unit 6 and read out corresponding data.

[0060] In the Figure 1Three collection containers are located. However, it is also conceivable that there are many more or just a single collection container in Recycling System 1.

[0061] In the Figure 2 A schematic side view of a collection container 2 with at least one sensor unit 5 is shown. In the embodiment shown, two sensor units 5 are present. However, it is also conceivable that only a single sensor unit 5 is present. Figure 2A recyclable item R is located directly in front of the insertion opening, i.e., in the corresponding monitoring space 8. As soon as the recyclable item R is fed into the monitoring space 8, it is detected by the at least one sensor unit 5, and the data is generated. In other words, the at least one sensor unit 5 detects the recyclable item R during its movement into the monitoring space 8, and further, the recyclable item R is preferably monitored during its entire movement through the monitoring space 8, up to the insertion opening 4.

[0062] The at least one sensor unit 5 is arranged such that only the exterior area of ​​the collection container 2 is monitored. Monitoring of the collection space 3 inside the collection container 2 is preferably not provided.

[0063] Based on the Figure 3A first embodiment of the evaluation of the data D for obtaining information is explained. In the first embodiment, the data D are evaluated in such a way that the number of recycled goods R thrown in is recorded. The evaluation unit 6 is designed in such a way that the fill level F of the collection container 2 can be determined based on the recorded number of recycled goods R thrown in.

[0064] Preferably, purpose data is assigned to the collection container 2. The purpose data indicates the type of recyclable material R to be collected. Based on the type of recyclable material R to be collected and the recorded number of recyclable materials R deposited, the determined fill level F can be corrected accordingly. The determined fill level F is the fill level determined by the recorded number of recyclable materials deposited. A corrected fill level is then determined from the determined fill level F.

[0065] In the Figures 2 and 3 It is shown that the recycling material R can take on various forms in the collection space 3. If the recycling material is waste glass, the bottles thrown into the empty collection container do not shatter. A layer of intact bottles forms. Only when a layer of bottles has formed do the further bottles thrown in shatter. A layer of broken glass then forms. The further bottles thrown in then no longer shatter on this layer of broken glass but lie completely on this layer. In the curve representation according to the Figure 3It is shown that the relationship between the number of recycled items thrown in, in this case bottles, and the fill level is non-linear. In the curve, the number of bottles thrown in is shown on the x-axis and the fill level on the y-axis. This non-linear relationship can be corrected accordingly by correcting the fill level.

[0066] This correction can also be applied to other recycled goods, such as cardboard, PET bottles, etc.

[0067] In another embodiment, the evaluation unit 6 is designed such that, for each recycled material deposited, the volume of the deposited recycled material R can be determined based on the recorded data D. The evaluation unit 6 is designed such that, based on the recorded individual volumes of the deposited recycled material R, the fill level F of the collection container 2 can be determined. In this embodiment, too, the collection container 2 is assigned purpose data that reference the type of recycled material to be collected. The volume can be corrected accordingly based on the type of recycled material R to be collected and on the determined volume of the recycled material.

[0068] Preferably, the data transfer via the data connection 7 to the evaluation unit 6 is configured such that the evaluation unit 6 is located on-site at the recycling system 1. However, it is also possible for this data transfer to be directed via the data connection 7, e.g., via a video stream, to a central evaluation unit located remotely from the recycling system, which serves several or even numerous recycling systems 1.

[0069] In both embodiments, the correction can be increased either continuously or when certain limit values ​​are reached.

[0070] In another embodiment, the evaluation unit can determine the color of each recycled material R deposited based on the recorded data D. The evaluation unit 6 is designed such that the color mix of the recycled material in the collection container 2 can be determined based on the recorded colors. This is particularly advantageous for glass containers because impurities caused by incorrect deposits can be detected at the collection point. This allows for information about the quality of the recycled material deposited.

[0071] Furthermore, in a further embodiment, it is also conceivable that for each recycled material R deposited, the material of the deposited recycled material can be determined based on the recorded data by the evaluation unit 6. The evaluation unit 6 is designed in such a way that the material composition of the recycled material in the collection container 2 can be determined based on the recorded materials. This allows for information about the composition of the deposited recycled material to be gained.

[0072] In the Figures 2 , 4 and 5the monitoring space 8 is drawn accordingly. As mentioned at the beginning, the at least one sensor unit 5 is designed such that it exclusively monitors the at least one said monitoring space 8. Preferably, the said monitoring space 8 is defined by a spatial area which extends from the edges of the insertion openings 4 by a maximum of 50 centimeters, in particular a maximum of 30 centimeters, away from an edge 16 of the insertion openings 4. The monitoring space 8 extends both laterally to the edge 16 and at right angles to this lateral extension. With a round insertion opening, the monitoring space is preferably cylindrical, and with a rectangular insertion opening, the monitoring space is preferably cuboid-shaped.

[0073] In the Figure 4a configuration is shown in which each insertion opening 4 is assigned a monitoring area 8. The sensor unit 5 here monitors all insertion openings 4 or all monitoring areas 8. Here, one sensor unit 5 is arranged for several insertion openings 4 or all monitoring areas 8. However, it is also possible to arrange one sensor unit 5 for each insertion opening 4 or each monitoring area 8. Several monitoring areas 8 can be cut out of the generally much more extensive detection area of ​​the at least one sensor 5 using hardware (e.g. by diaphragms in front of a camera lens) or software (e.g. using image processing algorithms).

[0074] In the Figure 5 A configuration is shown in which several insertion openings 4 are assigned a common monitoring space 8. This monitoring space 8 can be monitored by one or more sensor units 5.

[0075] From all figures, it can be seen that the at least one sensor unit 5 is arranged outside the collection container 2. In the embodiments shown, the collection container 2 is still designed as a closed collection container 2. The only access during operation is provided via the insertion openings 4. Preferably, each insertion opening 4 is assigned a corresponding monitoring space 8. However, it is also conceivable for a monitoring space 8 to be assigned to several insertion openings 4.

[0076] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 6 can be designed such that the data D of the inserted recycling material R can be compared with data of a predetermined specification, wherein a signal, in particular an alarm signal or a control signal, can be output in the event of a deviation between the two data; and / or wherein a deviation can be processed in the evaluation unit such that the composition of the inserted recycling material R can be determined. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0077] 1Recycling system 2Collection container 3Collection room 4Inlet opening 5Sensor unit 6Evaluation unit 7Data connection 8Monitoring room 9Communication system 10Message 11Means of transport 12Data storage device 13Signal generator 14Display device 15Recycling point 16Edge DData RRecycled material FLevel

Claims

1. Recycling system (1) comprising at least one collection container (2) having a collection space (3) and having at least one feed opening (4) through which recycling material (R) is thrown into the collection space (3), at least one sensor unit (5) for detecting the recycling material (R) to be thrown into the collection space (3), and at least one evaluation unit (6), which is connected to the at least one sensor unit (5) via a data connection (7), wherein the at least one sensor unit (7) monitors a monitoring space (8) located in front of the feed opening (4) in such a way that the recycling material (R) entering the monitoring space (7) can be detected, wherein the at least one sensor unit (5) is designed in such a way that data (D) can be generated with the at least one sensor unit (5), which data comprises information about said recycling material (R) entering the monitoring space (8), and wherein the data (D) can be transmitted to the evaluation unit (6) via the data connection (7), wherein the evaluation unit (6) is designed in such a way that the data (D) can be further processed to obtain information about the state of the collection container (2) or about the state of the recycling material thrown into the collection container (2), wherein the data (D) comprises the number of recycling material (R) deposited, the evaluation unit (6) being designed in such a way that the filling level (F) of the collection container (2) can be determined on the basis of the detected number of recycling material (R) deposited, wherein the collection container (2) is assigned purpose data which references the type of recycling material (R) to be collected, wherein on the basis of the type of recycling material (R) to be collected and the detected number of recycling materials inserted, the determined filling level (F) can be corrected by a correction factor associated with the purpose of the collection container; or wherein the evaluation unit (6) is designed such that for each recycling material (R) inserted, the volume of the inserted recycling material (R) can be determined on the basis of the detected data (D), and wherein the evaluation unit (6) being further designed such that the filling level (F) of the collection container (2) can be determined on the basis of the detected volumes, the collection container (2) being assigned purpose data which references the type of recycling material (R) to be collected, wherein the determined filling level (F) can be corrected by means of a correction factor assigned to the purpose of the collection container on the basis of the type of recycling material (R) to be collected and the determined volume of the recycling material (R).

2. Recycling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycling material (R) is detected by the sensor unit (5) during the movement into the monitoring space (8); and / or in that the recycling material (R) is detected by the sensor unit (5) during the movement through the monitoring space (8).

3. Recycling system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the correction can be carried out continuously; or in that the correction can be carried out when predetermined values, in particular predetermined volumes or predetermined filling levels, are reached, or when predetermined ranges, in particular of predetermined volume ranges or of predetermined filling level ranges are reached, and that no correction is carried out at other values, in particular at other volumes or other filling levels or other ranges, in particular at other volume ranges or filling level ranges.

4. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (6) is designed in such a way that a specific filling level can be compared with a filling-level limit value and a specific volume can be compared with a volume limit value, the evaluation unit providing a message via a communication system (9) when the limit value is reached.

5. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each recycling material (R) deposited, the colour of the deposited recycling material (R) can be determined by the evaluation unit (6) using the data (D) detected, the evaluation unit (6) being designed in such a way that the colour mixture of the recycling material in the collection container (2) can be determined using the colours detected; and / or that for each recycling material (R) deposited, the material of the deposited recycling material (R) can be determined by the evaluation unit (6) on the basis of the detected data (D), the evaluation unit (6) being designed in such a way that the material mixture of the recycling material in the collection container (2) can be determined on the basis of the detected material.

6. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (6) is designed such that the data of the deposited recycling material (R) can be compared with data from predetermined specifications, wherein in the event of a deviation between the two data sets, a signal, in particular an alarm signal or a control signal, can be outputted; and / or wherein a deviation can be processed in the evaluation unit in such a way that the composition of the deposited recycling material (R) can be determined.

7. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit (5) monitors exclusively said at least monitoring space (8).

8. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monitoring space (8) is defined by a spatial region which extends away from the edges of the feed opening by a maximum of 50 centimetres, in particular by a maximum of 30 centimetres, from said edges.

9. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit (5) is arranged outside the collection container (2); and / or in that the collection container (2), apart from the at least one feed opening (4), is designed as a closed collection container (2); and / or in that the at least one sensor unit (5) comprises an infrared camera or a video camera; and / or in that the at least one sensor unit (5) detects further data and provides corresponding data sets for further processing in the evaluation unit.

10. Recycling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a monitoring space (8) is assigned to each feed opening (4), with at least one sensor unit (5) being assigned to the monitoring space; and / or in that, for multiple feed openings, each feed opening (8) is assigned a monitoring space (8), wherein at least one sensor unit (5) is associated with each monitoring space (8) or wherein at least one or exactly one sensor unit is associated with a plurality of monitoring spaces; and / or that a monitoring space extends over a plurality of feed openings, wherein at least one sensor unit (5) is associated with the monitoring space (8).

11. A method of operating a recycling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) is used to generate data (D) which comprises information about said recycling material (R) entering the monitoring space (7), and in that the data (D) is transmitted to the evaluation unit (6) via the data connection (7), the evaluation unit (6) being designed in such a way that the data (D) can be further processed to obtain information about the state of the collection container (2).

12. Computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium with computer program code means contained therein for controlling one or more processors of the evaluation unit of the recycling system according to one of claims 1 to 10 in the form of a computer, which computer (2) has at least one processor (6), a data connection (7) operatively connected to the processor (6), which is operatively connected to the at least one sensor unit (5) and wherein the data (D) detected by the sensor unit (5) can be transmitted to the computer for evaluation with the purpose of acquiring information, and wherein the computer program code means is designed to acquire information about the state of the collection container or about the state of the recycling material thrown into the collection container (2).