Waste Collection Device, and Waste Recycling System

Abstract

A waste collection device configured to shred, treat waste with disinfectant, and/or remove water from the waste, and a waste recycling system.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A waste collection device for collecting waste at a store or retail location, said device comprising:
 a stand alone collection vessel configured to shred and disinfect the waste.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said collection vessel is configured to remove water or liquid from the waste. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , including a removable waste container disposed within said collection vessel. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein said removable waste container is a disposable plastic bag disposed within said removable container. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein said disposable plastic bag is tagged. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein said disposable plastic bag is electronically tagged with an RFID. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein a lower portion of said disposable plastic bag is provided with at least one drain to allow water or liquid from the waste to drain out of said disposable plastic bag. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein a lower portion of said disposable plastic bag is perforated to allow water or liquid from the waste to drain out of said disposable plastic bag. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said collection vessel includes:
 a collection vessel top portion;   a collection vessel middle portion configured to receive a removable waste container; and   a collection vessel bottom portion.   
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9 , including a shredder mechanism located below said collection vessel top portion. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein said collection vessel bottom portion includes a sump. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 4 , including a transport bag configured to be affixed to said disposable plastic bag. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12 , wherein said transport bag is configured to seal said disposable plastic bag inside to prevent drainage of said disposable bag when removing said disposable plastic bag from said collection vessel, and storing and transporting said disposable plastic bag. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 10 , wherein said collection vessel top portion includes an automated door using a proximity sensor to sense the presence of a user's hand to open and close said automated door. 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 15 , wherein said automated door is provided with an interlock configured so that said shredder mechanism can only operate when said automated door is in a closed and locked position. 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 15 , wherein said interlock includes at least one proximity sensor configured to prevent said shredding device from operation when a user is in proximity to said collection vessel. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 1 , including a spray device disposed within said collection vessel for spraying disinfectant onto the waste contained within said collection vessel. 
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein said waste container is a waste collection bag made of a polymer derived from corn or soybeans. 
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein said waste container is a waste collection bag coated or impregnated with a biocide powder which is activated in the presence of liquid or water vapor. 
     
     
         20 . A waste recycling system for collecting targeted store waste and maintaining a chain of custody of said targeted waste from collection to recycling, said system comprising:
 collecting waste in a waste collection device at a retail or store location, said waste collection device configured to treat said waste with a disinfectant and remove water or liquid from said waste.