Abstract: A system for receiving recyclable items having a deposit value from a customer, comprising a user station comprising means to generate tags bearing a unique tag identifier, an operator station comprising an operator interface for entering the tag identifier and the numbers and types of recyclable items, and a computer in communication with the customer and operator interfaces, to calculate the total deposit value for recyclable items and ascribe a deposit value to said customer account, and to update the customer account with a monetary amount correlating to said deposit value, is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A receiving, sorting/counting station arrangement for recycling of beverage and food containers, comprises one or more spaced sorting tables for use by sorters, the sorting tables being aligned adjacent and on one side of an elongated customer beverage and food container reception table, the space between the sorting tables providing space for shipping bags for sorted beverage and food containers.