Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing recyclable containers. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided which comprises an intake port, a plurality of densification devices each configured to densify a recyclable container, a computer-readable medium on which container information is stored, a scanning device for determining a characteristic of the container, and a processor which selects one of the plurality of densification devices to which the recyclable container should be conveyed based on the characteristic(s) determined by the scanning device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing and densifying recyclable materials. In one embodiment, a recyclable container densification device is provided for reliably rendering a bar code of a recyclable container unreadable. In another embodiment, the densification device is reconfigurable to be able to produce different types of recovered material from recyclable containers. In another embodiment, a chute is provided that promotes the entry of recyclable materials into a densification device by dropping the materials directly thereon. An additional embodiment includes a recycling system manufactured from densification modules that can be assembled to in different numbers and mixes to meet the needs of different customers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information related to recyclable containers. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided which comprises an intake port, a plurality of densification devices each configured to density a recyclable container, a computer-readable medium on which is stored container information, a scanning device for determining a characteristic of the container, and a processor which selects one of the plurality of densification devices to which the recyclable container should be conveyed based on the characteristic determined by the scanning device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for managing consumer recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a redemption transaction involving a return of recyclable containers by a consumer to a return center and a transfer of value to the consumer in exchange for the recyclable containers. In accordance with this method, a receptacle is provided to a consumer at a first time. The receptacle is usable to drop off recyclable containers at the return center, and is identifiable via an identifier. At a subsequent time, the receptacle, with recyclable containers, is received at the return center. The containers are processed to determine a value to be provided to the consumer. The value is then automatically transferred to an account designated by the consumer.