 |
|
|
|
|
Bin BugsThe Future of Waste Management or a Spy in our Bins |
|
|||
| home | bin bugs | pay as you throw | reaction | european directive | land fill | impact and cost | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RFID TaggingThe RFID technology used in the tagging of waste bins is in use in many different applications, from stock control, to security and ticketing systems. The tag is a small integrated chip with an attached aerial. When the chip is activated by being placed near a reader it sends a unique signal to the reader, it acts like a car number plate so that an individual item can be identified. This is different to a barcode which only identifies a type of product rather than a specific individual item. Active TagsSome larger tags contain there own power and are able to actively send their identification code to receivers without the need for positive activtion by their proximity to a reader.Background Database SystemsFor the identification number of the tag to be used background data is stored to associate the tag number with an individual, an address or another item.Tag UsageAs the cost of passive RFID tags decrease the number of suitable applications will increase. In the future, for example, it might be possible to have walk through checkout systems at supermarkets, assuming that all of the stock was tagged with RFID labels rather than barcodes. Taking the process one step further the system could interogate an RFID credit card and automatically charge the customer.Security SystemsHigh cost items, such as laptops, are being tagged more frequently. Using the tags inconjunction with building systems would mean the location of laptops could be tracked as they move around the building. If staff were allocated RFID security passes the movement of the laptop and the staff could be monitored together.Pet MonitoringRFID tags have been implanted into pets for many years now, allowing lost pets to be returned to there rightful owners. |
quick links DEFRA - Strategy & Legislation: Legislation/Directives - EU Landfill Directive IPPR - Institute for Public Policy Research, an independent charity, the UK’s leading independent progressive think tank. sokymat - RFID Supplier Holdfast Rubber Highway - A new use for old tyres. definitions Tag: A tag or RFID tag is a small chip that will send a signal to a receiver. There are two types of tag; active tags which have there own power and send identification signals at regular intervals and passive tags which would need to be energised with a radio signal to be interrogated. The tag is more like a car number plate than a barcode because it uniquely identifies a specific item. RFID or Radio Frequency Identification: This is the technique used to identify a specific item using a signal sent from a label attached to the item. Pay as you Throw: This is the concept of paying for rubbish disposal by weight rather than by a fixed regular fee. Landfill Directive: The Landfill Directive was generated by the European Council on 26 April 1999 it is designated number 1999/31/EC. The directive requires Landfill sites to be classified as soon as possible but classification must be completed by July 2009. Additionally, the directive sets targets for the reduction of biodegradable municipal waste disposed of in landfill sites. |