Weight-measurement retrofitting for waste compactors

A weight-measurement system for use with a waste container for storing waste and including two longitudinal main rails that are parallel and have a main rail lateral spacing and including two sets of wheels laterally spaced apart from each other, the weight-measurement system comprising:

• a guide frame positioned on ground and including two longitudinal guide rails defining two longitudinal guide surfaces that are parallel and have a lateral spacing such that the frame guide surfaces are laterally adjacent, but not directly under and supporting, the two container main rails to guide the container main rails along and beside the guide frame as the waste container moves along and over the guide frame with the container supporting itself;
• and
• at least two scale devices that are positioned on the ground and mounted to the guide frame, with each scale device extending laterally outward and away from a respective one of the frame guide surfaces so that the two scale devices are laterally offset from the respective frame guide surfaces, wherein the scale devices include weight sensors that are laterally offset from the respective frame guide surfaces and laterally separated from each other by the main rail lateral spacing such that they align with the container main rails as the waste container moves along and over the support frame, wherein the weight sensors are positioned laterally inward or outward of, and do not align with, the two spaced apart wheel sets, wherein the weight sensors are provided by load cells each having a cylindrical shape and an axis that is transverse to the frame guide surfaces to provide a curved ramp engagement with the container main rails to elevate the container main rails up onto the weight sensors upon being moved into engagement with the weight sensors,
• wherein in use the waste container is rolled on its wheels over the ground longitudinally relative to the guide frame with the container supporting itself and with the container main rails guided by the frame guide surfaces until reaching a use position with the container main rails moved upward and onto and supported by the weight sensors, wherein in the use position the container wheels are elevated from contact with any support surface, and wherein in the use position the full weight of the waste container including any stored waste is borne solely by the weight sensors.

A method of providing weight-measurement capabilities to a waste container for storing waste and including two longitudinal main rails that are parallel and have a lateral rail spacing, the method comprising:

• positioning a weight-measurement system including a guide frame and at least two scale devices;
• moving the waste container into alignment with the weight-measurement system so that the container main rails are generally aligned with the scale devices and laterally offset from two longitudinal guide surfaces of the guide frame;
• moving the waste container longitudinally relative to the guide frame, with the container supporting itself, and with the frame guide surfaces guiding the container main rails into engagement with the scale devices;
• and
• moving the waste container farther relative to the guide frame until reaching a use position with the container main rails moved upward, onto, and supported by the scale devices, wherein in the use position the full weight of the waste container including any stored waste is borne solely by the scale devices.