A lock for a bin and method of controlling access to a bin

A computer-controlled method of controlling bin access to unauthorized persons, the method including the steps of:

• receiving in a computer processor an accelerometer data signal;
• processing a selected segment of the accelerometer data signal;
• comparing the processed segment with a threshold to produce a motor instruction signal;
• sending the motor instruction signal to a lock motor;
• receiving in the computer processor a signal strength threshold data signal;
• measuring the strength of the data signal;
• comparing the data signal strength with the threshold data in the threshold data signal;
• and
• sending a motor instruction signal to a lock motor to lock the lock if the measured strength is below the threshold in the signal.

A computer-controlled method of inhibiting bin access to unauthorized persons, the method including the steps of:

• monitoring proximity of a bin to a base station with a range monitor having a computer processor to monitor proximity of the bin;
• monitoring bin collection movement with a computer processor having a lift monitor;
• and
• unlocking a bin lock with a computer controller when the range monitor detects that the bin is proximal a base station and locking the bin lock when the range monitor detects that the bin is distal the base station and/or unlocking the bin lock with a computer controller when the lift monitor detects that the bin is being lifted and the range monitor detects that the bin is distal the base station.