Technical field

This document relates to a method of combined sorting of waste containers into different fractions and sorting of waste containers comprising at least one waste container containing a specific fraction of waste and at least one waste container containing an additional fraction or residue fraction, and subsequent material sorting.

Background

It is known that recycling and re-use of waste contribute to a positive environmental impact, both in terms of energy savings and better utilization of our natural resources and raw materials. An increased recycling rate also contributes to less waste being placed on landfill, which also contributes to a reduced negative environmental impact.

A majority of the household waste that is disposed of today can be recycled or reused. Although a large proportion is recycled, there is still a need to increase the recycling of household waste.

However, in order to reduce the overall negative environmental impact with regard to waste management, a system perspective is important.

Recycling and re-use of waste is advantageous, but the benefits can be lost if the total impact of managing the waste is not taken into account. For example, source-separated fractions also require that the vehicles that collect the waste can transport several different fractions, in order to avoid the negative environmental impact of transporting each fraction separately.

Waste sorting in different fractions also requires that the receiving waste management system can handle the various fractions efficiently.

Devices, methods and systems for sorting waste containers containing different fractions are known in the art, for example from W02006/096101 which describes a waste container, a device, a method and a system for sorting such waste containers. WO2016/024043 also describes a method, a device and a system for sorting waste bags containing different types of waste.

These devices, procedures and systems enable efficient handling of several different waste fractions and ensure a high quality of sorting of the waste containers. However, in order to achieve a high recycling rate, it is a requirement that the waste has been sorted to several different containers correctly, which is not always the case. In many cases, the waste is sorted into only two containers, one for food waste, i.e. organic waste, and one for combustible waste, where a large part of the waste that is placed in the container for the combustible waste could be recycled.

Furthermore, in the existing devices, procedures and systems, residual fractions also arise when waste has not been properly sorted or when waste containers cannot be registered in the system.

Methods for identifying and sorting objects from a variety of waste using, among other things, NIR technology are also known, for example from CA2310838 and from W02003/061858. However, these methods are not suitable for certain waste fractions, e.g. those containing organic waste.

Summary

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for sorting waste containers, which completely or partially eliminates the drawbacks described with respect to the prior art and which allows the sorting of multiple waste containers where a high degree of recovery of both organic waste and residual fractions is achieved, in particular with respect to household waste.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims.

Embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims, from the following description and drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a waste sorting method, comprising providing at least two waste containers designated to receive an amount of waste, wherein a first of said at least two waste containers being adapted to receive a specific fraction of waste and a second of said at least two waste containers being adapted to receive at least one additional fraction of waste, wherein the waste containers are provided with at least one means for identification, specific to the fraction of waste contained in the waste container. The method further comprises, by means of a first sensor, detecting said waste containers when they are transported by means of a conveyor, the detection being effected by detecting said identification means and, based on data from the first sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container with using a first controller. The method further comprises, after the various waste containers have been separated by at least one of said sorting means, opening the second of the at least two waste containers, and then identifying the contents of the second waste container for further sorting.

By "means of identification" is meant a means which is readable by a sensor in such a way that the sensor can identify and detect the waste container provided with the identification means. The identification means may be, for example, a color, a color shade, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, a pattern and/or a tactile mark.

By "at least one additional fraction of waste", or residual fraction, is meant the waste that remains after sorting with respect to one or more fractions has been carried out, i.e. the waste that is not possible to sort in any other fraction. The content of a residual fraction therefore depends on the number of different waste containers provided. For example, in the case where two different waste containers are provided, the first being adapted to receive a specific fraction of waste in the form of organic waste, the contents of the second waste container will constitute a residual fraction containing all other types of waste, which should not or cannot be sorted as organic waste.

The sorting of the waste containers can be done in such a way that waste containers with a specific fraction of waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a collection vessel for the specific fraction of waste, while waste containers containing at least one additional fraction of waste are further transported on the conveyor.

Alternatively, the waste containers containing the specific fraction of waste can be transported further on the conveyor, while waste containers containing at least one additional fraction of waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a collection vessel for residual fraction, or for further material sorting.

Alternatively, the sorting can be done in such a way that waste containers with the specific fraction waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a collection vessel for the specific fraction of waste, and waste containers containing at least one additional fraction of waste are moved by means of sorting means from the conveyor to a collection vessel for residual fraction and/or for further material sorting.

By performing this sorting of waste containers and thereby first separating the specific fraction of waste, and then opening the second waste container containing at least one additional fraction of waste and then identifying the contents for further sorting, the recovery rate of different types of materials can increase.

According to the first aspect, the identification means may be a color, a color hue, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern, a tactile mark, or a combination thereof.

The waste containers can thus be registered by the first sensor by means of an optical identification means. The sensor then uses optical identification, ie. The waste containers are separated for a property that can be registered by both a sensor and a user. The property can be a color, a color gamut of the visible spectrum, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern and / or a tactile mark. This can be used in accordance with the prior art for coding the waste containers with respect to how they are to be sorted. The coding of the waste containers can thus be used by the user and the waste sorting system to distinguish between waste containers containing different types of waste.

Alternatively, the waste containers may be detected by the first sensor by means of RFID means in the form of an RFID tag or the like, which is readable based on radio frequencies. The RFID means may be attached to or on the waste container by means of an adhesive such as, for example, glue or double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the RFID means may be wholly or partially printed directly on the waste container by means of polymer electronics or paper electronics. Alternatively, the RFID means may be attached to a separate closure means adapted to be attached to and seal the waste container. The RFID means can, according to the prior art, be used for coding the waste containers with respect to how they are to be sorted.

According to the first aspect, the one or more sorting means may be an arm for pushing or shutting off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to control air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm.

Said sorting means thus removes at least one of the various waste containers from the conveyor to a collecting vessel for that type of waste container, or to another conveyor for further sorting. The waste containers can, for example, be removed by means of an arm which strikes or pushes the waste container from the conveyor, which can for instance be a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of air jets which move waste containers with the same type of waste away from the conveyor to the collection vessel. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of a vacuum suction which directs the waste containers from the conveyor to the collection vessel. Alternatively, the waste containers can be removed by means of a robot arm, which can be provided with various tools for moving the waste containers from the conveyor to the collecting vessel.

According to the first aspect, the contents of the second waste container can be identified for further sorting by analysis of the material and wherein a second control unit, based on data from the analysis, controls at least one second sorting means for sorting the contents of the second waste container.

The first and second control units may be the same or different control units.

According to the first aspect, the analysis of the material can take place through an NIR measuring device, an X-ray analyzer, sound waves and/or an identification means.

The analysis, including identification of the material, can thus also be done with the aid of an identification means located on the material. The identification means may be, for example, a predetermined label, pattern, RFID means, color, color tone, one or more characters, bar code, QR code, tactile mark, etc. For example, a material or a package could be provided with an identification means based on the type of material. Alternatively, a material or a package could be provided with an identification means based on the material/the quality of the packaging material according to a predetermined classification of different material qualities. In this way, a further sorting can take place where the waste is not only sorted based on the type of material, but also the quality of the material.

According to the first aspect, the second sorting means may be an arm for pushing or shutting off the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to control air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm.

The second sorting means thus removes objects from the conveyor to one or more collection vessels for different fractions of waste, or to another conveyor for further sorting. The objects can, for example, be removed by means of an arm which strikes or pushes the waste container from the conveyor, which can for instance be a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the objects can be removed by means of air jets which move one or more objects away from the conveyor to a collection vessel, by means of a vacuum suction which directs the objects from the conveyor to the collecting vessel or to the additional conveyor, or by means of a robot arm which may be provided with various tools for moving different objects from the conveyor to the collecting vessel/conveyor belt.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may comprise one or more steps in which separation of metal waste takes place.

The further sorting may comprise, for example, that magnetic metal is sorted out in a first metal separation step and that non-magnetic metal is sorted out in a second metal separation step.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may comprise one or more steps in which the waste is sieved.

The further sorting may, for example, include sieving based on size and/or weight. Examples of methods that can be used include, but are not limited to; finger screening, drum screening, sifting using rotating shafts, shaking screeing, wind screening, ballistic screening and vibration screening.

By including one or more steps of sieving in the further sorting, stone, gravel, mis-sorted food waste and other smaller undesirable material can be separated, but also larger materials that risk getting stuck and disturbing the further sorting. Furthermore, 2D objects can be separated from 3D objects.

According to the first aspect, the further sorting may include sorting 2D objects and 3D objects.

According to the first aspect, the method may further comprise providing at least a third and/or at least a fourth waste container, each designed to receive a specific fraction of waste, and provided with at least one means of identification for that fraction of waste.

The third and/or fourth waste container is thus adapted to receive waste consisting of materials falling within one and the same fraction with respect to waste sorting. The identification means may be a color, a color hue, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern, a tactile mark, or a combination thereof. According to the first aspect, said third and/or fourth waste containers may contain organic material, paper, plastic, newspapers, textile, metal, glass, electronic waste, batteries and/or drug residues. According to the first aspect, said waste container may have a content of a weight of more than 1 kg, preferably more than 2 kg, preferably more than 5 kg and preferably more than 10 kg. The sorting means are thus adapted to move waste containers having a content with a weight in the range of 1 -2 kg, 1 -5 kg, 1 -10 kg, 1 -15 kg or 1 -20 kg, or 2-5 kg, 2- 10 kg, 2-15 kg or 2-20 kg, alternatively with a weight in the range 5-10 kg, 5-15 kg or 5-20 kg, alternatively with a weight in the range of 10-15 kg or 10-20 kg. The sorting means can also dispose of waste containers with a weight of less than 1 kg, but can be specifically adapted for moving heavier waste containers or materials.

According to the first aspect, said waste container may consist, for example, of a bag or box consisting of polymeric material, paper, metal, plastic-coated paper, metal-coated plastic, metal-coated paper or a

biodegradable material, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the waste containers consist of a material adapted to contain waste and which is strong enough to withstand tears and is flexible enough to be able to enclose the waste even when compressing the containers. Furthermore, the waste container preferably consists of a biodegradable material, such as, for example, bioplastics. The material should preferably have as low an environmental impact as possible.

According to the first aspect, the method may further comprise, by means of a second sensor, registering a second characteristic of said waste container when they are transported by means of the conveyor, and, based on data from the second sensor, controlling one or more sorting means for sorting said waste container using the first control unit.

The second sensor may be configured to read identification means, such as, for example, a color, a color tone, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, a QR code, a pattern and/or a tactile mark.

Thus, in accordance with the prior art, a second sensor may also record a second property, or a second identification means, of the waste containers. This means that a higher quality of the sorting of the contents of the waste containers can be ensured.

Typically, the degree of purity of different types of material increases by more than 90% or more than 95%, or preferably more than 97%, by the above-described sorting method. With increased purity, this means that the right material is separated and that the material contains fewer impurities and incorrect material types. This in turn means that the materials that have been sorted out easier and can be reused in a more energy-efficient way. The above-mentioned sorting method thus also lowers the energy consumption for waste sorting and recycling of materials, and increases efficiency, i.e. number of tons that can be handled per hour in the waste sorting plants.

Brief description of drawings

Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figs. 1 a-1 d are schematic top views of flattened containers provided with various embodiments of identification means. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view from above showing an embodiment of a waste container sorting apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view from above showing an embodiment of a waste container sorting apparatus.

Fig. 4a is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a waste container sorting method.

Fig. 4b is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a waste container sorting method.

Description of embodiments

Figures 1 a-d illustrate a flattened waste container 1 , which may consist of a thin-walled bag 6 of a flexible material, such as plastic, paper, metal or a combination thereof. The waste container can alternatively consist of a biodegradable material. Below, the word container and bag will be used if every other, but the term "container" should not be interpreted as being limited to a bag only, but may also include other types of enclosures, such as boxes etc..

The waste container 1 may have a closure 5 (not shown) to prevent waste within the bag 6 from being spread outside the bag.

The bag or container is also provided with at least one identification means 2.

Figures 1 a-d show an identification means 2 in the form of patterns. Other types of identification means are also possible, such as a color or a color shade, an RFID means, one or more characters, a bar code, and / or a tactile mark. The container may also be provided with a combination of two or more identification means.

The bag may be transparent, but according to an alternative, it may also be provided with a color or shade, which may still allow the bag to be transparent, i. have a low opacity in the visible light spectrum.

According to one embodiment, the color or shade of the bag can thus be the same or different than a pattern, which the bag is provided with, color.

According to yet another alternative, the container can be completely colored, i.e. does not allow you to see through. According to an alternative, the color or shade may be other than the possible pattern the bag is provided with.

The identification means 2, for example in the form of a color, or a pattern which in turn may have a color, may correspond predominantly, for example as information to the user, the type of waste to be placed in the container. Alternatively, the color or shade of the bag or pattern is the same for all types of waste. According to such an embodiment, it is to be

understood that the pattern instead has a shape that corresponds to the type of waste to be placed in the container. One can, for example, use green bags for organic or biodegradable waste, blue bags for waste paper, yellow bags for plastic, etc. Which color is used for which type of waste can thus be chosen entirely optionally, but should be clearly communicated to the user. Furthermore, it is also possible to sort, for example, organic waste in a predetermined type of container, for example a green bag, and then all other fractions, the residual fraction, in an ordinary container, for example such a man who buys in the grocery store.

The user thus sorts the waste at home, or at the workplace, and then places all the containers in one and the same waste container, or in a so- called big bag which in turn can be identified and handled at a sorting plant.

The waste container or bulk bag is then, either with a waste suction system and / or by transport on or via a vehicle, such as a garbage truck which normally compresses or compresses the waste and then transfers the waste to a sorting plant, or a waste storage area.

The identification means 2 in the form of a pattern may be an object, such as a triangle, dot or square arranged on a well-defined part of the bag (see Fig. 1 d), the pattern may further be a plurality of objects 3 in a cluster arranged on at least one part of the container (see Fig. 1 b).

As such, the object or objects may together or individually contain the shape of a circle, a dot (i.e., a filled circle), a square, a triangle, an oval, or any other kind of shape (see, for example, Fig. 1 b).

The identification means 2 in the form of an RFID means, such as in W02006/096101 (not shown) may be an RFID tag or the like, which is readable based on radio frequencies. Such a label may consist of a chip and an antenna coil. The chip may further comprise a processor and a data memory. There are several known RFID tags. Two main types include active and passive RFID tags, which differ in that the active RFID tag includes a power source while the passive RFID tag receives its energy from a magnetic field that induces a current in the antenna coil. When such a passive RFID tag is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field, a current is induced in the antenna coil which is sufficient to drive the chip. When the chip is driven, the processor retrieves information from the data memory and sends a response signal corresponding to said information via the antenna coil. In the present invention, such information includes at least information on the type of waste for which the waste container is intended.

The data memory may further include information such as waste management billing information (may be combined with a weighing function in a conveyor 12 or in a waste container collection container (not shown)) or information that allows the contents of a waste container 1 to be traced to a particular household or a particular household waste container retailer.

It is understood that the vital parts of the label, i.e. the antenna coil and the chip can be arranged directly on or in the waste container 1 , or on / in the material from which it is made. The term "label" is thus only to be interpreted as including the parts that are required to identify the waste container 1 based on radio frequencies.

The RFID label may be wholly or partially printed directly on the waste container by means of polymer electronics or paper electronics, for example of the type shown in US2004 / 0256644. Alternatively, the RFID means may be attached to a separate closure member (not shown) adapted to be attached to and seal the waste container.

The identification means 2 can be detected by means of a sensor (not shown). For example, the sensor may be in the form of an optical camera which may capture at least one image of the container as it passes past the sensor. An identification means in the form of a color, shade or for example a pattern can thus be identified and analyzed by means of image analysis.

Such a method is shown, for example, in SE535704 C2. The color, hue or pattern type can also be characterized and determined by other types of analysis which one skilled in the art can readily recognize.

The sensor may also be of the type shown in SE8901046-6,

WO9306945A1 and EP0759816B, which identifies a color or shade of the waste container 1 passing. An identification means in the form of color or color shade can thus be identified.

The sensor may also be in the form of a scanner or reading means, etc. which is configured to register waste containers 1 based on radio frequencies. An identification means in the form of an RFID means can thus be identified.

The identification means 2 can be further analyzed by means of sensors connected to computers, and the method and analysis can thus be fully automated.

For example, the color, hue or pattern can be analyzed using sensors such as optical cameras connected to computers, and the method and analysis can be sold completely automated.

Fig. 2 is a simplified view of a waste container sorting device 10. The sorting device comprises a feeder 1 1 , which may be a conveyor belt, or a chute from which the waste containers 1 to be sorted are transported. The feed conveyor transports the containers to a second conveyor 12. In Fig. 2, two parallel conveyors 12a, 12b lead to a sorting station series. A first sorting station 14a, 14b is provided with a sensor arranged to analyze an

identification means 2 arranged on the waste container 1 in accordance with the method described above. In the device 10 shown in Fig. 2, the waste containers pass three different sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a, each of which is provided with a sensor. The sensors may be arranged to detect the same or different types of waste containers.

The sorting stations further comprise one or more sorting means (not shown). Based on data from the sensor, a first control unit (not shown) controls one or more sorting means for removing waste containers containing different types of waste, from the conveyor into one or more vessels for storing waste containers with that type of waste, or alternatively for additional conveyors or conveyor belt for further sorting. The sorting means (s) (not shown) can be arranged to selectively strike or push a waste container 1 away from the conveyor 12a, 12b so that the waste container ends up in a collecting vessel (not shown). The control unit may be arranged to produce control signals to the sorting means based on the arrival time of the signals from the sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a and knowledge of the transport speed of the conveyor 12a, 12b. This results in a sorting of the waste container in collecting vessels, which, e.g. may be intended to contain biodegradable or combustible material. Alternatively, the waste container is moved to further or repeated sorting on additional conveyors.

One or more of the sorting stations may be provided with a sensor of the type shown in SE8901046-6, WO9306945A1 and EP0759816B1 , which identifies a color or shade of the container passing, whereby a signal representing said color or shade is sent to the first controller.

One or more of the sorting stations may also be provided with a sensor arranged to analyze a pattern. In the case where the identification means 2 is a pattern, the sorting station, based on the analysis, issues a signal to the first control unit when the correct pattern is identified, allowing a sorting means (not shown) to remove the container provided with the detected pattern from the conveyor in some type of container for storing the waste containers. In the device 10 shown in Fig. 2, the waste containers pass three different sorting stations 14a, 15a, 16a, which may be arranged to detect the same or different pattern types. The sorting station can also be provided with sensors that allow the identification of several different pattern types and sort these bags in one or more vessels. This means that the device allows sorting of containers which are each provided with different patterns.

One or more of the sorting stations may also be provided with a sensor which reads off the waste container 1 based on radio frequencies.

It is understood that the various sorting stations may contain the same type of sensors or different types of sensors to generate a first, second and / or third signal to the first controller. The sensors can be arranged in any relative order. Thereby, it does not matter which of the sensors register the waste container 1 first. The signals from the different sensors can be analyzed by means of the first control unit, whereby a comparison of the different signals for one and the same waste container is made to determine whether or not the waste container is to be removed from the conveyor 12.

Thus, for example, when using a first and a second sensor, the waste containers can be routed to a collection vessel, or another conveyor belt, based solely on the signal from the first sensor or based solely on the signal from the second sensor. Alternatively, the waste containers may be directed to a collection vessel or to another conveyor belt if, and only if, the signals from the first and second sensors correspond to each other with respect to whether and to which collection vessel to which the waste container is to be directed. In case the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor do not match, the waste container may be returned for a new reading of the first and/or second sensor.

Alternatively, the waste container can be further routed to a collection vessel for unsorted waste.

Preferably, the waste container can be further routed for opening the waste container, then identifying the contents of the waste container for further sorting. Content, i.e. the material contained within the waste container can be analyzed and identified by, for example, an NIR measuring device, an X-ray analyzer and/or sound waves.

It should be understood that the sorting device, the conveyor and the sorting means can be designed in a number of different ways. Conveyors of various types can be used, such as conveyor belts, screw conveyors, air conveyors, chain conveyors, etc. Also pipes through which the waste containers are transported by overpressure, negative pressure and/or gravity can constitute conveyors. Also, the number of collection vessels can be varied according to the desired number of sorting fractions.

The sorting means can also be arbitrarily designed. For example, the sorting means may be an arm for separating waste containers, by striking or pushing the waste container from a conveyor belt, an air valve for a compressed air nozzle configured to control air jets, a vacuum suction or a robot arm which can grip and lift the bag from the belt. Fig. 3 illustrates a sorting device for sorting three different randomly distributed fractions of waste containers, the identification means being a pattern. The waste containers are fed into the device through three parallel feeds 1 1 a, 1 1 b, 1 1 c. Through the feeds, the randomly distributed waste containers are transported along three parallel conveyors 12a, 12b, 12c at a certain interval, or next to each other, between the individual waste

containers, in order for the waste containers to be sorted at sorting stations 14a-c, 15a-c, 16a-c, 17a-c, 18a-c, 19a-c, which are arranged in series one after the other. The individual waste containers can all be provided with specific patterns p1 , p2, p3 in order to be detected by corresponding sensors at the sorting stations.

The containers provided with the first pattern p1 are identified and sorted at the two first sorting stations 14ac, 15a-c, the containers provided with the second pattern p2 are sorted at the two subsequent sorting stations 16a-c, 17a-c, and the containers provided with the third pattern p3,

alternatively no pattern at all or alternatively bags with all different patterns, ie. "Other waste" is sorted at the last two sorting stations 18a-c, 19a-c. Sorting containers that can be identified by the same pattern at multiple successive subsequent sorting stations in this way increases the capacity but also the sorting accuracy. This device can also be constructed in a variety of ways, such as those shown in EP1583618B1. It is also possible to combine sorting based on patterns as shown in Fig. 3 with color-coded sorting as shown in EP1583618B1 and/or with RFID sorting.

According to the invention, the user sorts a specific fraction of waste into a waste container 1 a therefore intended, and which is provided with an identification means 2 therefore. For example, the user can sort the organic waste into a container intended therefor, and provided with identification means therefore. Alternatively, the specific fraction of waste may be paper, plastics, textiles, newspapers, metal, glass, batteries, electronics, drug residues, etc.

Other waste, the residual fraction, can be sorted into another waste container 1 b. Alternatively, the user can sort the other waste or parts of the rest of the waste into further specific fractions and waste containers 1 c, 1 d, for example paper, plastic, textile, newspapers, metal, glass, batteries, electronics, drug residues, etc., where the possible waste as not sorted in specific fractions is placed in the waste container 1 b, which can be provided with identification means therefore. Waste containers 1 c, 1 d may also be provided with identification means 2 for further sorting.

In an alternative embodiment, only the specific fraction of waste is sorted into a separate bag and the remaining waste is placed without containers in the waste bin or in a larger bag.

Fig. 4a shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the sorting according to the present invention. When the waste containers 1 a-1 d come to the waste facility for sorting, they are usually fed from a hatch into the waste facility to a conveyor 12, for example in the form of a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the waste containers are first brought to one or more screening devices (see Fig. 4) to be screened before being passed on to the conveyor 12. The screening may include one or more of known methods of sieving such as, for example, finger-sieving, drum screening, rotary shaft sieving, shaking, wind screening, ballistic screening and / or screening through vibration. With the aid of the screening step, loose material, both large and small material, which could otherwise interfere with the sorting, can be separated from the waste containers before they are passed on by means of the conveyor 12.

The conveyor 12 transports the waste containers 1 a-1 d past one or more sorting stations, wherein the waste container 1 a with the specific fraction of waste is sorted out, for example to a collecting vessel in the form of a container or the like, or further to another sorting device, by one of the methods which described herein. The waste container with the residual fraction 1 b, or, where appropriate, the waste containers with the other various fractions 1 c, 1d, are then transported further into the waste facility and opened. Alternatively, all waste containers having a specific fraction of waste, 1 a, 1 c, 1 d, can be sorted out, into a collection vessel in the form of a container or the like, or further to another sorting device, by any of the methods described herein, while only the waste container with the residual fraction, i.e. 1 b is transported further to be opened. Thus, the sorting according to the invention can be designed in different ways with respect to the number of waste containers that are transported further to be opened.

Waste containers with a specific fraction of waste can be transported further for opening in order to then be sorted based on, for example, type of material, material quality or to separate 2D objects from 3D objects.

By combining the separation of specific fractions, e.g. containers containing organic material, and then opening and carrying out a further material sorting of other fractions, a very high degree of sorting of the waste is achieved.

It is also understood that the sorting according to the stated invention can be designed in different ways with respect to the order in which the different waste containers are sorted out. For example, the waste container with the residual fraction 1 b may alternatively be separated from the conveyor in a first stage, into a collection vessel in the form of a container or the like, or further to another sorting device for opening, while the remaining waste containers with specific fractions of waste are further transported for sorting according to any of the methods described herein.

Fig. 4a shows an embodiment in which waste containers with a specific fraction of waste 1 a and waste containers with a specific fraction of waste 1 c are sorted away to the corresponding collection vessel, for example a container, for each fraction of waste by passing at least two sorting devices, whereby the waste containers are sorted according to one of the methods described herein, while waste containers with a further specific fraction of waste 1 d, and waste containers with a residual fraction of waste 1 b are further transported for opening and further analysis and sorting.

The waste container can be opened by various means known to those skilled in the art.

The waste in the residual fraction, and, where appropriate, specific fractions of waste, can then be sorted by various sorting techniques.

According to one embodiment, the contents of the opened waste container can undergo one or more metal separation steps before the further analysis or sorting (see Fig. 4a). Normally, magnetic metal is sorted out in a first step and non-magnetic metal, for example aluminum and copper, in a second step.

The contents of the opened waste container can also undergo one or more sieving steps (see Fig. 4a). For example, the further sorting may include sieving based on size and / or weight. Examples of methods that can be used include, but are not limited to; fingering, drum screening, sifting using rotating shafts, shaking sighting, wind screening, ballistic screening and vibration screening. The contents of the opened waste container can also undergo one or more steps whereby 2D objects and 3D objects are separated from each other.

Fig. 4a shows an embodiment in which the contents of the opened waste containers first undergo two metal separation steps for separating magnetic and non-magnetic metal. The contents are then transported further for two sieving steps. For example, the contents can first pass a drum screen to separate so-called inert material, for example, small material such as rocks or gravel, which can interfere with the further sorting, and then pass a ballistic screen/sieve in order to separate 2D objects and 3D objects from each other. The waste in the fraction with 2D objects and the waste in the fraction with 3D objects are then further sorted into specific fractions of waste, for example different types of materials or different types of material quality, by means of one or more sorting techniques.

According to one embodiment, the waste is further analyzed and sorted with so-called near infrared (NIR) technology. Examples of such sorting are mentioned in CA2310838. In alternative embodiments, the content may be analyzed and sorted by X-ray technique, sound waves or other types of material identification techniques. Alternatively, the content can be identified and analyzed using an identification means located on the material. The identification means may be, for example, a predetermined label, pattern, RFID means, color, color tone, one or more characters, bar code, QR code, tactile mark etc. For example, a material or a package could be provided with an identification means based on the type of material. Alternatively, a material or package could be provided with an identification means based on the quality of the material/packaging material along a predetermined classification of different material qualities. In this way, a further sorting can take place where the waste is not only sorted based on the type of material, but also the quality of the material.

In the sorting process, it is also possible to introduce several steps for opening waste containers, the contents of which are then further sorted. For example, as an input material one can have an organic fraction, a fraction with newspapers, a fraction with textiles, a fraction with paper material in addition to newspapers, and a fraction with plastic and polymer material, and a fraction for other waste. All fractions are then sorted into the household and placed in the same waste bin for transport to the waste facility, or the sorting plant. The fractions may also be provided with identification means 2 to identify the contents of the waste containers. In the sorting process, for example, the waste container containing the organic waste can be separated, and then the other fractions or waste containers to the respective container or to be opened and sorted further. For example, in one embodiment, plastic or polymer fraction is separated and proceeds to open the waste container, the content of plastic or polymer fraction being sorted by NIR technique, X-ray technique, sound waves, other type of material identification technique or an identification means located on the material / package / product, while the other waste containers remain sealed or transported for further sorting by other techniques.

Fig. 4b shows an overall flow chart in accordance with the present invention. In a first step, the waste containers can undergo a sieving step as described above. The conveyor 12 then transports the waste containers l a i d past one or more sorting stations, whereby the waste containers are identified and sorted by any of the methods described herein. A sorting is thus carried out with respect to waste containers, illustrated as "Bag sorting" in Fig. 4b, based on the waste containers' respective identification means 2. Waste containers with a specific fraction of waste, 1 a, 1 c, 1 d are sorted into a collecting vessel in the form of a container or the like, or further to another sorting device, by any of the methods described herein. Alternatively, one or more of the waste containers with a specific fraction of waste may be further transported to be opened and then subjected to one or more material sorting steps, illustrated as "Material sorting" in Fig. 4b.

The material sorting may, for example, contain one or more screening steps, one or more sorting steps for sorting 2D materials of different material type and or different material quality, and/or one or more sorting steps for sorting 3D material of different material type and/or different material quality. When the specific fraction of waste contains metal, the material sorting may also contain one or more metal separation steps. The material sorting may include analyzing and sorting the contents of the opened waste container by means of near infrared (NIR) technology, x-ray technology, sound waves or other types of material identification techniques. Alternatively, the content can be identified and analyzed using an identification means located on the material, as described above. The waste container 1 b, intended to receive at least one additional fraction of waste, i.e. the residual fraction, separated or transported further, is then opened and then subjected to one or more material sorting steps as described above.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments and sorting steps may be combined in different ways and in alternative

sequences, where the number of sorting steps is based on factors such as, for example, the desired recovery rate, number of fractions of material which one wants to obtain through the sorting process, the desired purity of the material recovered by the sorting process and/or desired separation of 2D and 3D objects.