Abstract: The inventions relate to systems and methods for reusing recyclable materials used in the manufacturing and transportation of goods, including containers used in the packaging and shipment of such goods. The disclosed systems and methods include the use of data devices to collect and report data associated with the recyclable materials. The data devices may collect information about recyclable materials and containers, including the amount of a deposit paid by a customer for a container, the receipt of the container at a service center and any amounts returned to the customer from a secure merchant account after an inspection of the condition of the container. The data device may also record the condition of the container, whether it is reused, refurbished and reused, or recycled, and how many cycles of use the container experiences.