Abstract: An on-line waste management reporting and tracking system allows contractors to create waste management plans. Cities and other governing bodies can manage and enforce their recycling policies. Property owners can track the recycling on construction debris within their property. Recycling facilities can create diversion reports and upload tickets directly to a project. Users communicate and interact via the system. Waste management plans can be submitted directly to the governmental bodies. Users track recycling on construction projects through detailed recycling reports. The system calculates a plan's emissions and gives suggestions on how to reduce a plan's carbon footprint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and method for monetization of recyclable plastics. Such systems includes a receptacle for receiving fungitized plastics, such as plastic ingots. The fungitized plastic can have a standardized form with a known value that is readily exchangeable for credit, discounts, or currency. Sensors are capable of identifying the fungitized plastic as substantially comporting to the standardized form, thereby confirming the plastic's composition, and weight/size in order to facilitate sorting and proper crediting for its value. The sensors can also identify fungitized plastics that do not match these standards, which are considered counterfeits and are returned to the user. A sorter collects all the identified fungitized plastic of a particular composition together with other plastic of similar composition. Similarly, a crediting system may reward the user for depositing the identified fungitized plastic.

Abstract: A system for sorting composite waste is provided. In some embodiments, the composite waste comprises two or more drugs, or two or more components. Composite waste is sorted efficiently and effectively using information regarding the different components in said waste, thus enabling proper disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for facilitating a mechanism in which to collect and consolidate goods at a location for recycling. The apparatus includes a processor capable of defining a time period(s) and determining type(s) of recyclable goods and associating a defined time period(s) with one of the recyclable goods based on the type. A portion of the goods may be picked up from an entity upon expiration of the time period. The processor is also capable of receiving an indication that the portion of the goods are delivered to a location and consolidated with other goods of the same type. The other goods are delivered to the location from other entities and the processor is capable of determining whether the consolidated goods exceed a predetermined threshold and if so the processor is capable of generating an instruction to deliver the consolidated goods to a facility for recycling.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a filling status of a containing cavity suitable for containing non-homogenous objects of various nature includes a capacitive device that is positionable near the containing cavity and configured for detecting a variation in electric capacity caused by the presence of the objects so as to determine the filling status. A container is provided with the measuring device. A system is provided including the measuring device and a station configured for receiving and processing data provided by the measuring device, the system being configured for managing and monitoring the filling status and planning intervention activities on the containing cavity. The system is used for monitoring and managing urban waste.

Abstract: Systems, methods and processes teach by specific examples how the cost of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) can be totally offset and turned into profits during coal powered electricity generation from revenue and co-benefits. The process is provided whereby fly ash-carbon mixtures, or de-volatilized coal char, or anthracite coal culm is co-fired in an air-cooled, slagging combustor with limestone or similar slag fluxing materials converts the ash into cementitious slag with properties similar to ground granulated blast furnace slag.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A method for enabling users over the world wide web and cellular phone networks to interact with an interactive recycling system, assisting the user in performing tasks involved in the recycling of scrap metals and other materials. The system offers the user resources, services, and ideas according to parameters collected from the user and from the providers of said resources, services and ideas. The system guides the user to receive the most desired, convenient and financially advantageous resources, services and ideas, while allowing said providers a mechanism for innovating business methods, pricing and marketing. The system automatically guides the user to the desired resources, services and ideas by executing various tools, such as real time pricing comparisons, geographic advisory information, GPS navigation, text and/or audio chat, resource analysis, and preparatory transactions. The system adds graphics, animation, and other media to make the session more informative and enjoyable for the user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for determining and utilizing a time-expanded decision network is presented. A set of potential system configurations is defined. Next, switching costs are quantified to create a “static network” that captures the difficulty of switching among these configurations. A time-expanded decision network is provided by expanding the static network in time, including chance and decision nodes. Minimum cost paths through the network are evaluated under plausible operating scenarios. The set of initial design configurations are iteratively modified to exploit high-leverage switches and the process is repeated to convergence. Time-expanded decision networks are applicable, but not limited to, the design of systems, products, services and contracts.

Abstract: A system and a computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium for sharing recycling related photographs with third parties on a social network site to encourage recycling.

Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for incentivizing recycling of collected products by providing both an incentive award and information about the post-recycling stream designation of the collected products to a user. The collected products are assigned a trace element which is machine readable data input, with scanners or detectors disposed along the recycling stream. Once a decision is made regarding the recycle designation for a collected product, that information is provided to the user. A computer program that stores and calculates the award could be used to calculate analogous or ancillary calculations regarding post-recycling designations to enable comparisons with other users and online competition.

Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a tire through a retread process include various checkpoints with networked touch screen computers at each checkpoint. At certain inspection and repair checkpoints the touch screen computers display tire cross section images with multiple different regions. Selecting a region allows a technician to change injury or repair data associated with that region of the tire. The computer automatically checks entered information against customer retread specifications and alerts the technician if the tire does not fit the customer's requirements for repairing or retreading the tire.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for monitoring ecological impact of disposal of a product by a user may implement operations including, but not limited to: determining a disposal mode of at least a portion of a physical product associated with a user; and associating an ecological impact quantification associated with the disposal mode with a user account associated with the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tag and labeling system that is used in connection with the disposal of pharmaceutical waste materials that are created in a health care treatment facility.

Abstract: A waste processing system (10) evaluates the waste processing requirements of a waste producing entity (20, 30) and evaluates the waste processing capabilities of vendors (40, 60, 80), and manages the waste processing of waste components produced by a waste producing entity (20, 30) by selecting vendors (40, 60, 80) to service the waste producing entity (20, 30).

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to, a physical product associated with a device-readable indicator, the device-readable indicator associated with a first potential-ecological-impact quantification and with a first-disposal-mode identifier describing a first mode of disposing of at least a first portion of the physical product. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for determining an ecological impact score may include, but is not limited to: determining an ecological-impact score for acquiring a product, the ecological-impact score generated from at least information that quantifies ecological impact caused by at least a portion of a supply chain used to transport the product; and sending the ecological-impact score to a computing device.

Abstract: The system enables one to securely recycle an electronic device in a publicly accessible location. In particular, the embodiment described may be used by a mobile phone owner to submit his/her mobile phone for recycling via an electronic kiosk and receive compensation in some form. The compensation might be dispersed via cash, voucher, credit or debit card, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software for processing or otherwise managing scrap information in a business application. For example, the software can instantiate a planning business object using production model data for production activities. The business object data and scrap information may be used to calculate requirements for a production planning model. The calculations may include adding an activity yield to activity scrap and fixed resource scrap to generate a component quantity. The component quantity can be multiplied by a component scrap ratio to generate additional component requirements. The component quantity may be added to the additional component requirements to determine a total quantity.

Abstract: Methods involve adding sorbent components, such as calcium oxide, alumina, and silica, as well as optional halogens as part of environmental control. Use of the sorbents leads to significant reductions in sulfur and mercury emissions that otherwise would result from burning coal. Use of the sorbents leads to production of waste coal ash that, while higher in mercury, is nevertheless usable as a commercial product because the mercury in the ash is non-leaching and because the coal ash has a higher cementitious nature by virtue of the increased content of the sorbent components in the ash. Thus, the methods involve adding powders having qualities that lead to the production of a cementitious coal ash while at the same time reducing emissions from a coal burning facility.

Abstract: A recall management system allows generating, tracking, and verifying product recalls. The system provides notifications of a product recall to affected and unaffected businesses in the supply chain, as well as notification of the public and government agencies that may be affected. Verification of received notifications and the quantity of product removed from supply in response to the recall allows for closure of recall activity. Recalls may be extended over time as additional products needing to be recalled from the particular supplier of the recalled product are identified. Product returns over time are added to the total product recovered and scorecards updated in real-time as the return information is tabulated. Affected businesses and government agencies have visibility to both recall message receipt and product recovered as a part of total product recalled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing, processing, distributing and an accompanying business model for sea algae, particularly forced cultured kombu, to prevent the expansion of global warming, by encouraging a re-purchase of the cultured sea algae, by paying the purchaser back, in a constant rate, a part of the profit from the sales of a CO2 omission right, which right depends upon the CO2 absorption and fixation ability.

Abstract: An on-line waste management reporting and tracking system allows contractors to create waste management plans. Cities and other governing bodies can manage and enforce their recycling policies. Property owners can track the recycling on construction debris within their property. Recycling facilities can create diversion reports and upload tickets directly to a project. Users communicate and interact via the system. Waste management plans can be submitted directly to the governmental bodies. Users track recycling on construction projects through detailed recycling reports. The system calculates a plan's emissions and gives suggestions on how to reduce a plan's carbon footprint.

Abstract: A document managing system includes: an image forming device that includes an image forming part, and forms a document on a prescribed output medium; a discarding device that includes a document discarding part that discards the document formed on the output medium by the image forming device; and a discard certificate issuing device that includes a discard certificate issuing part, and issues a certificate of a discarding process in the discarding device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for receiving recyclable materials, associating the materials with a specific user, capturing data specific to that user and the materials, and providing reward points to the user based on the materials.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the remuneration for the return of identifiable empty packaging to a receiving point, wherein the empty packaging (7; 8) is identified with respect to at least one selected characteristic thereof, for example, dimension, type of packaging, type of material, recyclability, and deposit value, if any. The remuneration for individual types of empty packaging is related to at least two of a plurality of legal entities (10-15) which, for the return of empty packaging, are remuneration-providing and connectable to a remuneration coordinator (9) in communication with the receiving point in the form of a reverse vending machine (1), and to the remuneration level of the connected legal entities that is applicable at any given time for a particular type or particular types of empty packaging.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to determining environmental impact. For example, a method for determining environmental impact may include receiving, by an electronic device, environmental information indicative of an aggregate environmental impact of an activity performed by multiple entities, receiving, by the electronic device, financial information related to an entity's association with the activity, and determining, by the electronic device, the environmental impact of the entity based on the environmental information and the financial information. The method may further include outputting, by the electronic device, the determined environmental impact.

Abstract: A method for recycling materials comprising the steps of generating a first revenue stream by forming a contract via a computer between an advertiser and a promoter for recycling bags printed with the advertiser's promotions and/or advertisements, manufacturing the branded recycle bags based on the specifications in the contract and distributing the branded recycle bags to groups comprising members. The method further comprises the steps of the members collecting recyclables utilizing the branded recycle bag, discarding the branded recycle bags into designated collection bins, transporting the collected recycling materials from the collection bin to a recycling facility via a transporter, and, the recycling facility processing the collected recycling materials to generate a second revenue stream.

Abstract: A system and method for automating the activities associated with a recycling program and to improve recycling participation. The recycling program adapts social science principles to significantly increase long term participating rates in the recycling activities by promoting positive behavioral changes to encourage higher participation in the recycling program by implementing group dynamic features relating to group decision making. One aspect of the invention is that it provides financial incentives in the form of rewards coupons to anyone engaged in recycling through a Rewards for Recycling Community Club and the coupons are redeemable at participating merchants who contribute the rewards coupons as members of the community recycling club.

Abstract: Carbon values are provided by vendors of power to data center management and are used by data center management to keep carbon values for energy produced to provide services below service level agreement thresholds. A plurality of vendor carbon values, a plurality of static data, and a plurality of dynamic data are used to calculate a future power consumption and a future operating cost for a data center in a computing service environment. The future operating cost includes a future carbon cost indicating the amount of carbon generated to satisfy the future power consumption.

Abstract: A system and computer program product for communicating with a recycling user during recycling activities of a recycling vehicle, including: receiving recycling user information, associated with a recycling user via a web-based user interface, having a street address, contact information, a reward point total and recycling data associated with the recycling user; associating a unique identifier with the recycling user; periodically storing and updating the recycling user information in an account identified by the unique identifier in the database; converting the street address into a recycling user geographic coordinate; periodically receiving a recycling vehicle geographic coordinate associated with the real-time location of a recycling vehicle via a wireless network; comparing the received recycling vehicle geographic coordinate with the recycling user geographic coordinate and determining whether the received recycling vehicle geographic coordinate associated with the recycling user geographic coordinate

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data in component memory of a printing device replaceable component and utilizing the data in a customer service center. A printing device records data related to the printing device, usage information, environment information, etc. in a memory tag of a replaceable component—such as a toner cartridge—used in the printing device. When the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling, the information is retrieved from the memory tag and stored in a customer database. When a customer contacts the customer service center, a customer service operator accesses information related to the customer and to the printing device(s) used by that customer. Help screens, or menus, displayed to the operator are customized according to the product(s) owned by the customer and the environment within which the product is used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing product returns includes: receiving information of a set of returned products, and recording the returned product information into a storage of a computer; generating a returned product order based on the returned product information; determining if any returned products are reusable; determining to scrap the non-reusable products if the returned products are non-reusable; selecting the reusable products from the returned products if there are reusable products in the returned products; determining if there are any qualified products in the reusable products; warehousing the qualified products into a stock of a manufacturer if there are qualified products in the reusable products; generating a reproduction report for the unqualified products according to the returned product order, and storing the reproduction report into the storage of the computer.

Abstract: A system and method of determining performance metrics for inclusion in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between a customer and a host computing service provider. The method comprises: receiving a provisioning request from a customer including receiving computing performance requirement parameters and environmental parameters for inclusion in the SLA from the customer; deploying discovery tools to identify relevant infrastructure components based on performance metrics. Based on identification of the customer's relevant infrastructure components, probes are deployed and installed. Then, data is obtained from the probes while changing infrastructure components for simulating and assessing impact of one or more different customer scenarios for different performance policies. In one aspect, the obtained data is used to identify and implement an a priori risk sharing agreement between the customer and service provider.

Abstract: In a method for assessing an environmental footprint of an object, economic data and environmental data of the object is aggregated and complexity of the object is determined. In addition, the economic data, the environmental data, and the complexity of the object are correlated and a model of an environmental footprint of the object is created based upon the correlation. Moreover, the environmental footprint of the object is assessed through application of the model.

Abstract: Methods of reclaiming plastic from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste and manufacturing recycled medical devices are described. Recycled medical devices made from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides machines, methods and apparatus for automatically vending, damping, delivering and returning large heavy product containers such as 5-gallon water bottles. In some embodiments, damping methods and apparatus are provided to gently transfer large heavy product containers from one level to another inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus including adjustable support rails are provided for handling different sized large heavy product containers inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, delivery methods and apparatus are provided for use with large heavy product containers. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus for returning large product containers are provided. Some or all of these features may be provided in a single vending machine, or in multiple machines, and multiple features or machines may be controlled by a single computer processor.

Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.

Abstract: An order-reception system has: an order-reception subsystem which receives, from a customer, customer order information including order-reception information and/or support request information and customer information; a business management subsystem having a customer-information database storing the customer information including information regarding a price of a commodity purchased frequently by the customer, and a cost of a support requested frequently by the customer, the price and the cost set by a seller; an order-entry subsystem which performs an order-reception processing based on the customer order information; and a delivery subsystem which arranges delivery of the commodity and providing of the support.

Abstract: A system and method for handling recyclable materials and products manufactured therefrom is provided. The method includes receiving recyclable material extracted from post consumer and post industrial sources at a manufacturing facility, acquiring information associated with the recyclable material received at the manufacturing facility, such as properties and certification(s) relating thereto, and storing the acquired information in a database for subsequent access. The recycling method may also include manufacturing a product at the manufacturing facility from the recyclable material, generating product information associated with the product such as properties and certification(s) relating thereto, and storing the product information in the database. The product may then be shipped with the product information and certification information stored in a tangible medium to provide quality certified “green” recycled products for use in building construction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for tracking customer transactions using a Unique Loyalty Code. One or more transactions of a user are monitored by providing a unique loyalty code with a sale of a product, wherein the unique loyalty code uniquely identifies each individual instance of the product. The unique loyalty code is then received from the user as part of a product registration process, wherein the product registration process does not require personal information of the user. The unique loyalty code is recorded in an account anonymously associated with the user. The disclosed unique loyalty codes can be used to monitor the recycling of products.

Abstract: A method of an administrator recording a sale and a retiring of a recycling credit certificate for a recycled material may include the steps of a computing device at the administrator: receiving from a seller a request to generate the recycling credit certificate, transferring the certificate from an account registered by the seller to an account registered by the buyer, receiving from the buyer a request to retire the recycling credit certificate, and recording the certificate as retired. The certificate may include unique information identifying environmental attributes that are unbundled from a corresponding amount of a recycled material. The request to retire the certificate may include an amount of standard manufactured material used in an amount of product bearing a retail product claim for the environmental attributes that were unbundled from the corresponding amount of the recycled material tangibly owned by the seller.

Abstract: This application teaches a disposal chain and a supply chain system for sealing and unsealing a vacuum draw path embodying a thrust handle capable of imparting assembly and disassembly thrust forces said system conferring the potential of reducing the amount solid waste mass contributed to the waste stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing waste oil, which comprises at least one container wherein each container has an identifying element disposed thereon for recording information with respect to the waste oil provider, container, and quality of the waste oil. By means of the system, the present invention further provides a method for managing and trading the waste oil, which refers to a business method for implementing transaction such as sale of waste oil or exchange between waste oil and daily necessaries according to the information of the identifying element whereby the business center can control the logistics, cash flow and information flow easily and efficiently so that the waste oil provider can have service of transaction easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a combination permanent partial decoration and temporary decoration to mass customize refillable glass vessels. The method comprising: decorating a glass vessel with a permanent partial decoration, receiving the glass vessel at a filling facility, washing the glass vessel in caustic solution to remove presence of a temporary decoration, filling the glass vessel with a product contents, printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, distributing the glass vessel to a marketplace for use by a consumer, receiving the consumer used glass vessel at the filling facility, and recycling the glass vessel by returning to the step of washing. Other embodiments include not using the permanent partial decoration and printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, wherein at least some of the temporary decoration is printed on top of a background region to increase the luminance qualities of the temporary decoration.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for recapturing electronic devices no longer of use to their owners. The method, which is implemented by the computer program, broadly comprises the steps of identifying at least one electronic device no longer of use to the device's owner by managing one or more identification parameters; matching the device with a recapture offer so as to incentivize the owner to donate or sell the device; notifying the device owner of the recapture offer; and acquiring the device from the owner to complete recapture of the device.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.