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USE OF RFID TO TRACK HAZARDOUS WASTE SHIPMENTS ACROSS DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
Citation:
VARNER, K. E., D. KOPSICK, AND J. BEARDEN. USE OF RFID TO TRACK HAZARDOUS WASTE SHIPMENTS ACROSS DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL BORDERS. Presented at 2006 EPA Science Forum, Washington, DC, May 16 - 18, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
The overall objective of this task is to provide the Agency with improved science guidance and strategies for more effective science management and administration.
Description:
Radio-frequency identification system (RFID) is an emerging commodity tracking technology that is being tested and implemented in a large number of applications worldwide. RFID is a method of transmitting data using radio waves, usually through communication with a tag. Both active and passive RFID tags may be tested to track hazardous waste shipments, originating in the Mexican and Canadian border zones. The RFID tags will be tested under a variety of conditions to mimic truck transportation scenarios and warehouse storage conditions. There are physical characteristics of chemical wastes and waste containers that may interfere with the radio frequency signal. These tests will determine if the RFID reader can gather, process, and transmit information about the location of the tagged hazardous waste as it moves from one site to another. The viability, effectiveness, cost, and scalability will be evaluated. Interferences affecting the use of the technology will be identified and possible solutions to these interferences will be identified. Situations that cause degradation of the signal will be noted. This poster highlights an ESTE project which offers opportunities to achieve results consistent with EPA?s environmental sustain ability goals and objectives.