Waste collection system

Abstract

A lid (20) for soft plastic waste collection, the lid comprising an opening (15) for receiving soft plastic waste items (10), the opening comprises a funnel through which items can be delivered into a collection receptacle (25).

Description

[0001] WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates generally to waste collection and particularly, although not exclusively, to a waste collection system for soft plastics material.

[0003] Soft plastics are lightweight, flexible plastics that include products used every day in households and businesses such as: carrier bags, pouches for microwavable products, packaging from fruit and vegetables, including netting, plastic sauce pouches, bread bags, bags used to package cereal and dried goods like pasta and rice, wrappers from sweets and bakery products, cling film, pet food pouches, cheese wrapping, gift wrap, packaging from clothing and parcel bags, packaging and bags used to wrap products.

[0004] These types of plastics are typically more difficult to recycle than others, and due to the current capabilities of many government authorities, most soft plastic ends up with general waste, filling landfills by the tonne. They take a long time to decompose, a problem that can also increase greenhouse gas emissions.

[0005] In 2020, for example, flexible plastic packaging represented 22% of all UK consumer plastic packaging. However, only around 8% of this material was recovered for recycling, according to RECOUP’s household plastic collections survey 2021.

[0006] But while soft plastic poses a challenge for recycling, it isn’t impossible.

[0007] One of the key barriers to improving the recycling rate is establishing effective methods of collecting waste film from householders. As a low value and low density material, it is costly to recover.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to waste collection.

[0009] An aspect of the present invention provides a lid for soft plastic waste collection, the lid comprising an opening for receiving soft plastic waste items, the opening comprises a funnel through which items can be pushed / pressed / posted / fed / delivered into a collection receptacle.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention provides a lid (plate, cover, roof or the like) for soft plastic waste collection, the lid being attached or attachable to a container and comprising an opening for receiving soft plastic waste items, the opening comprises a funnel through which items can be pushed / pressed / posted / fed / delivered into a collection receptacle.

[0011] The receptacle may, for example, be a liner. Alternatively the receptacle may be a container. i The funnel may be flexible. For example the funnel may be formed from a flexible material. The funnel may be formed from the same or a different material to the rest of the lid.

[0012] The sidewall of the funnel may be at least partly curved and / or angled and / or straight. The funnel may have a section that reduces along at least part of its depth (away from the opening / mouth) so that the opening is wider at its entrance than at its exit.

[0013] The opening (or at least the funnel) may, for example, have a generally oval shape (in plan). Other shapes of a funnel entrance may, for example, be generally rectangular or elliptical.

[0014] The funnel may be elongate.

[0015] The lid may comprise means for retaining a (e.g. flexible, bag-like) liner. The combination of a liner with a rigid / semi-rigid container and a one way entrance, for example, can help with compression of items in the liner.

[0016] The lid may comprise attachment means for attaching the lid to a container.

[0017] The lid may comprise a main frame and a cover plate.

[0018] The funnel may be provided on or by the main frame. Alternatively the funnel may be provided on or by the cover plate.

[0019] The cover plate may be attachable to the main frame.

[0020] The lid or components thereof may be formed from plastics materials.

[0021] The lid or components thereof may be formed from at least some recycled content (e.g. recycled plastics material, such as post-consumer recycled material).

[0022] In some embodiments the lid can receive a liner (which may be the receptacle). For example, if a main frame and a cover plate are provided then a liner can be retained (e.g. sandwiched) in between the frame and the plate.

[0023] The funnel may be formed as a separate component. For example the funnel may be formed as a separate part that is attached, attachable or forms part (e.g. co-moulded with) of a lid.

[0024] In some embodiments the lid could be used in conjunction with a purpose-built container; in other embodiments the lid could be fitted to a standard or modified existing container. A further aspect of the present invention provides a lid for soft plastic waste collection, the lid comprises a funnel through which items can be fed into a collection receptacle.

[0025] The present invention also provides a lid as described herein in combination with a container.

[0026] Other features / principles are listed below:

[0027] V1 One Way Funnel (lobster pot) Principle

[0028] 1 . Overall design principle V1 , in its simplest form

[0029] 2. How this V1 principle can be designed into different sized containers and its potential use e.g. Countertop, Freestanding, Undercounter, Side of Bin, Integrated Inside Bin

[0030] 3. Showing how a generic bag with handles attaches to funnel principle OR different sized fitted bags fitted.

[0031] V2 Modular One Way Funnel (lobster pot) principle

[0032] 3. Overall V1 design principle as modular unit - V2

[0033] 4. How this V2 principle can be fitted within different sizes containers, e.g. Countertop, Freestanding, Undercounter, Side of Bin, Integrated Inside Bin

[0034] 3. Showing how a generic bag with handles attaches to funnel principle OR different sized fitted bags fitted.

[0035] V3 Attachment Of Bag Funnel Principle & Bag to container

[0036] 5. Range of ideas, e.g. magnets, friction plug fit, clips, strap, etc

[0037] The invention could be considered as: an opening for receiving soft plastic waste; a lid with an opening; a lid and a liner; a lid and a container; a lid with a liner, plus a container, a lid with a receptacle.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention can be configured to allow one-way entry of items.

[0039] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0040] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0041] The present invention is more particularly shown and described, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0042] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0044] In the description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 1A: Plastic flexible waste 10 is compressed and posted through the funnel opening 15 (with curved sides). When inside, it expands ensuring any residue is inside the bag 30 rather than the opening.

[0047] Figure 1 B: The one way (oval / racetrack) opening 15 of the lid / cap / plate 20 is only big enough for flexible plastic to be pushed through, to minimise contamination. As 'springy' waste expands inside the container 25, it cannot return back through the opening. One way opening system is attached to container of flexible waste.

[0048] Figure 1 D: The compressed bag 30 is then tied (to contain the flexible waste).

[0049] In general terms a lid / plate is provided through which soft plastic items can be fed into an accompanying receptacle. In this embodiment a liner is provided to use with the lid. The liner, into which the lid funnel leads, is located into a container. In other embodiments there is no liner and items proceed directly into a container (which would then be the receptacle).

[0050] In practice the funnel is one-way, so that items cannot return through the opening.

[0051] Figure 2A-2D shows a further embodiment which is similar to Figure 1 , except that there is no bag in the container 125. Figure 3: the flexible plastic waste system is transferable to a range of different container sizes and contexts of use.

[0052] The principle of the lid can be transferred to a range of different container sizes and types.

[0053] Figure 4A: a funnel plate 220 is shown together with a caddy / container 225. In this embodiment the caddy 225 has a rear hook 235 which allows the container to be hooked onto a door, for example.

[0054] Figure 4B: alternative rear hook 335.

[0055] Figures 5A to 5E illustrate a further embodiment. In this embodiment the lid 420 has clips / latches 440 for securing the lid to corresponding lugs 445 on a container 425 and optionally to hook and secure a bag.

[0056] Plastic flexible waste is compressed and posted through the opening. When inside, it expands ensuring any residue is inside the bag rather than the opening. The one way opening is only big enough for flexible plastic to be pushed through, to minimise contamination. As 'springy' waste expands inside the container, it cannot return back through. As the container is filled compression is caused. Extra compression could be achieved as shown or via alternative options.

[0057] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment. The lid 520 comprises an outer frame 521 which is attachable to a container.

[0058] The one way opening 515 is only big enough for flexible plastic to be pushed through, to minimise contamination. The outer frame allows liner bags to be attached, for example a drawstring liner bag or the extended tabs allow liner bags with handles to be looped around and attached to frame.

[0059] The outer frame 521 has a slot 522 designed to reduce excess material from a bag liner.

[0060] The funnel 523 is constructed from a flexible material (e.g. TPE).

[0061] A cover plate 524 is provided and attaches over the outer frame 521 .

[0062] Figure 7 shows the lid 520 in use. The lid 520 is attached to a collection container 525. The cover plate 524 attaches over the main / outer frame 521 and a bag liner 530. The cover plate restricts the movement of the inner bag liner as the waste collection is filled up and “stretches” the inner bag liner. The frame 521 allows liner bags to be attached, for example a drawstring liner bag or the extended tabs allow liner bags with handles to be looped around and attached to frame.

[0063] Figures 8A to 8D illustrates the flexible funnel 523. One way funnel opening to push through flexible plastic waste is constructed from a flexible material.

[0064] The one way funnel is constructed from a flexible material. The funnel flexes when pushing through flexible plastics waste.

[0065] The modular system (with multiple components e.g. a frame and a cover) described herein may be used across various container type / size, as illustrated in Figure 8.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates a lid 620 formed according to a further embodiment. The lid 620 is similar to the lid 520 except that the funnel 623 is rigid (in this embodiment being formed as an integral part of the frame). The funnel comprises two opposed slots 626 designed to help the material flex slightly.

[0067] The outer frame 621 allow liner bags to be attached, for example a drawstring liner bag or the extended tabs allow liner bags with handles to be looped around and attached to frame.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the lid 620 in use. The flexible plastic waste collection system attaches to a collection container.

[0069] The cover plate 624 attaches over the main frame 621 and bag liner 630. The cover plate restricts the movement of the inner bag liner as the waste collection is filled up and ‘stretches’ the inner bag liner.

[0070] The frame allow liner bags to be attached, for example a drawstring liner bag or the extended tabs allow liner bags with handles to be looped around and attached to frame.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a system formed according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment an outer frame 721 is provided similar to the frame 621, with a solid funnel that has slots to facilitate flex. In this embodiment there is no cover plate.

[0072] Figure 12 shows the system (solid funnel; no cover plate) in use.

[0073] Figures 13A to 13F shows a collection system formed according to a further embodiment.

[0074] The lid may or may not be hinged e.g. to the frame. A solid funnel is provided. The funnel may be separate from the frame. The frame clips into (or onto) the container.

[0075] A rear (and / or front) recess is provided.

[0076] In this case the whole arrangement that fits onto the container could be described as a lid, but with its own lid being a part of the overall “lid”.

[0077] Figures 14A to 14F illustrate a food waste caddy corresponding with the flexible collection system of Figures 13A to 13F.

[0078] Figures 15A and 15B show that the same lid, frame and container could be used for both the flexible collection bin and a food waste caddy.

[0079] Figures 16 illustrates various possibilities for hooks and the like to mount containers.

[0080] Figure 17 shows a system used as part of a multi-functional recycling receptacle system.

[0081] Figure 18 shows that a flexible plastic waste collection system is potentially transferable onto existing multi-functional recycle bins.

[0082] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate how a liner could be attached to a lid.

[0083] Figures 21 to 27 show various ways in which a cover plate could be attached to a bag frame.

[0084] In other embodiments a container lid could be used as part of a liner retention mechanism - see Figure 28.

[0085] Figure 29A and 29B shows counter top versions.

[0086] Figure 30 illustrates further features which could be used separately or together.

[0087] Figure 31 illustrates a further embodiment in which a bin has been modified to become a soft plastic waste collector with a general waste compartment.

[0088] Figure 32 illustrates how a liner can be fitted to a lid and then the lid is fitted into a bin in a system of the type shown in Figure 31.

[0089] Figure 33 shows a modular system for collection of soft plastic waste and also other household waste.

[0090] Figure 34 illustrates a further embodiment. Figure 35 illustrates usage of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figures 36A to 36L illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in use.

[0092] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A lid for soft plastic waste collection, the lid comprising an opening for receiving soft plastic waste items, the opening comprises a funnel through which items can be delivered into a collection receptacle.2 A lid as claimed in claim 1 , in which the funnel is flexible.3 A lid as claimed in claim 1, in which the funnel is rigid.4 A lid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the opening has a generally oval shape.5 A lid as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising attachment means for attaching the lid to a container.6 A lid as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a main frame and a cover plate.7 A lid as claimed in claim 6, in which the funnel is provided on or by the main frame.8 A lid as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which the cover plate is attachable to the main frame.9 A lid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lid can receive a liner.

10. A lid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the funnel is formed as a separate component.

11. A lid as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a container and / or a liner12. A flexible waste collection system comprising a lid, a cover plate, a funnel and a frame, the system being attachable to a container.

13. A food waste caddy comprising a lid, a bag frame, a frame and a container.

14. A system or caddy as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the container comprises a recess.

15. A system or caddy as claimed in claim 14, comprising attachment means.

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