Abstract: Returnable beverage containers, on which a deposit has been paid at purchase, are returned to a return center for the containers, for example, in a retail outlet. At the return center, the returned containers are sorted and counted, and data about them are entered on a computerized cash register. A clerk at the return center sorts and counts the containers by brand, size, material, and amount of deposit, and the cash register produces a credit slip for the customer. At the return center, the beverage containers are sorted by material and placed into respective receptacles therefor, based upon scrap grade, that is, material type, but without regard for the brand. When the receptacles are full, they are emptied into compartmentalized, locked hampers, which, when filled, are transported to a transfer station where the contents of each hamper compartment are weighed and then processed.

Abstract: A method of redeeming returnable beverage containers that utilizes a return center for the containers located in the retail outlet. The return center includes an elongated counter for sorting and counting the returned containers and a computerized cash register. The clerk at the return center sorts and counts the containers by brand, size, material and amount of deposit and enters this information in the cash register which produces a credit slip for the customer. The return center counter has four openings beneath which are four receptacles for receiving the different scrap grades of containers. The receptacles when full are emptied into compartmentalized, locked hampers, and these hampers when filled are transported to a transfer station where the containers in each hamper compartment are weighed and then processed.