Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for sorting returnable bottles, cans and other returnable packages. In the method, a returnable package is transferred by means of a transferring device to an identification device having a data processing unit and a data storage unit in which data concerning different types of acceptable package forms and/or package colors are preregistered. An identification index corresponding to form/color is given to the identified package and the index is transferred to a pushdown storage of a first sorter located after the identification device, to a first lowermost free storage location of the pushdown storage. The identification index is compared with a specific index related to the sorter. If the identification index corresponds to the specific index of the sorter, a sorting is performed with the sorter and the returnable package is transferred away from a main conveyor.