Abstract: This invention relates to a refuse collection system and method in which there are provided a plurality of households, each having their own refuse bin, a control centre computer in communication with each of the refuse bins, and a plurality of collection vehicles in communication with the control centre computer. An RFID tag with information regarding the type of refuse is associated with refuse prior to the refuse being placed in the refuse bin. Preferably, the refuse is placed in a dedicated pod with an RFID attached thereto. The bin has an RFID reader that reads the RFID tag, determines what types of refuse are contained within the bin and thereafter transmits the information to the control centre computer. The control centre computer thereafter schedules the delivery of one or more types of refuse from the refuse bins and transmits a collection itinerary to a collection vehicle.