Abstract: A method and assembly are provided for cleaning and refilling wares for delivering food, e.g. trays, plates, bowls and cutlery, as might be used on airlines and in the health care industry. The wares are provided in sets and kept together in sets. After washing of each set, it is cooled if necessary and is allocated to one of a plurality of distinct refilling lines for refilling and reuse. This can be achieved by providing a conveyor line along which are arranged a washer, dryer and cooling unit to keep the wares together, and a refilling station downstream of the conveyor. The invention provides a basket including a base portion and a frame portion. The frame portion is insertable into the base portion, and may be replaced by other frames to accommodate different sets of wares. Separate lines can be provided for galley and business class wares, and, simultaneously, commissary carts can be replenished in a separate area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning and refilling wares for delivering food, e.g. trays, plates, bowls and cutlery, as might be used on airlines and in the health care industry. The wares are provided in sets and kept together in sets. After washing of each set, it is cooled if necessary and immediately refilled, for reuse. This can be achieved by providing a conveyor line along which are arranged a washer, dryer and cooling unit to keep the wares together. The invention provides a basket, configured to hold a number of sets of wares, the exact number depending upon the types of wares.