Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for identifying returned bottles, cans, plastic bottles or other packages (10) and for sorting them on the basis of an identification code, in which method a compensation corresponding to the package is given on the basis of the identification of the returnable package (10). The returnable package (10) is transferred to a measuring station of an identification device (2), at which measuring station is generated a signal corresponding to the shape of the returnable package (10) for the central unit (3) of the device, which compares the measured signal or signals with the preprogrammed signals stored in a memory (8) of the central unit (3) and identifying the shape of different packages. When the package shape corresponds to the shape stored in the memory (8) and programmed therein, a sorter (11) located after the measuring point is activated for transfer-ring the package (10) to its own storage storage station (A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3 . . .