A system for identification of a plastic container for re-use or recycling

Abstract

A system for the identification of a plastic hazardous waste container to establish its suitability for re-use or recycling comprises means to collect the container, means to empty contents of the container in a controlled environment, processing means for selecting either breaking down the product into granular form or re-distributing the product for use. The system may include means to sanitise the container. Means to identify may comprise one or more cameras. The plastic product may be a waste container and the system may further include means to empty the container. The system may further include means to heat the product to soften the material to repair any deformities. The system may be for the medical waste industry and the re-use of plastic containers, such as sharps bins. Identification data may be collected using a camera system and AI software to capture images of barcode or QR code, a product code, brand name, manufacturer, or distributor information. A method of selecting a plastic product for re-use or recycling is also provided.