Programmable logic controllers used in collecting of metal packaging waste

In today´s society, it is more and more emphasized the necessity to collect and recycle the waste products resulted from human daily activities. In the process of waste products collecting and transporting, one of the main impediments is the efficiently using of storage space, reason why, we have proposed a solution for compaction of small non ferrous metal cans. We developed a hardware structure composed from the individual selecting and positioning system, compacting lever both electrically driven, and the optical sensors system for the positioning of the tin can plus, inductive sensors for stroke limitation of the compacting lever. Then, we have programmed the PLC able to control (the execution elements) and ensure the succession of the process states. This application could be extended to an urban recyclable waste products collecting system that would involve execution elements and sensors able to ensure a reliable, robust and efficient functioning. At this solution, supplementary functions might be added, functions necessary to monitor the system and also useful for people´s attraction to waste products recycling (e.g. by providing valued coupons).