Container redemption method

A method of redeeming returnable beverage containers that utilizes a return center for the containers located in the retail outlet. The return center includes an elongated counter for sorting and counting the returned containers and a computerized cash register. The clerk at the return center sorts and counts the containers by brand, size, material and amount of deposit and enters this information in the cash register which produces a credit slip for the customer. The return center counter has four openings beneath which are four receptacles for receiving the different scrap grades of containers. The receptacles when full are emptied into compartmentalized, locked hampers, and these hampers when filled are transported to a transfer station where the containers in each hamper compartment are weighed and then processed. The computerized cash register records the number of containers returned for each distributor, the cash register being programmed to coordinate the container brand with the retail outlet's distributor for that brand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a novel and advantageous method, particularly for 
use by a retail outlet, of redeeming returnable beverage containers. 
In several states, laws have been enacted that specify that each container 
of carbonated beverages, mineral water, beer or other malt beverages sold 
in the state must carry with it a minimum deposit. This deposit, which in 
most cases is five cents, is paid initially by the retail outlet or dealer 
to the distributor who may be the manufacturer of the beverage, a bottler 
or a wholesaler. The dealer, in turn, must charge this deposit to the 
purchaser of the beverage. 
The purchaser can redeem the deposit at any retail outlet that carries the 
brand of beverage in question by returning to the outlet his empty 
container. Under most laws, it is the legal responsibility of the 
distributor to pick up the empty containers and to pay the retail outlet 
the amount of the deposits plus a handling fee that may be in the area of 
1-1/2 cents per container. This procedure, while environmentally 
beneficial, places an undesired burden on retail outlets and distributors. 
The applicants are not aware of any prior art that has addressed this 
container redemption problem for dealers and distributors, and a 
preliminary search failed to develop any pertinent patents. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a method of redeeming returnable beverage 
containers that utilizes a return center for the containers located in the 
retail outlet. The return center includes an elongated counter for sorting 
and counting the returned containers and a computerized cash register. The 
clerk attending the return center sorts and counts the containers by 
brand, size, material and amount of deposit and enters this information in 
the case register which, inter alia, produces a credit slip for the 
customer. 
The return center counter has four openings beneath which are four 
receptacles for receiving the different scrap grades of containers, i.e. 
clear glass, colored glass, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. The 
receptacles when full are emptied into compartmentalized, locked hampers 
outside the building, and these hampers when filled are transported to a 
transfer station where the containers in each hamper compartment are 
weighed and then processed. 
The computerized cash register, in addition to producing a credit slip for 
the customer, records the number of containers returned for each 
distributor, the cash register being programmed to coordinate the 
container brand with the retail outlet's distributor for that brand. From 
the information entered into it, the cash register also produces a weekly 
computer readout that details for the distributor the amount he owes the 
retail outlet for deposits paid to customers. 
An important feature of the procedure outlined above is that of collecting 
and recording the necessary data at the point of redemption. Another 
important feature is that of pre-sorting the containers at the point of 
redemption which is more efficient and economical than sorting them at the 
transfer station where the containers are processed for salvage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The method of the present invention is set in motion by the consumer or 
purchaser of the beverages who brings his empty containers to the retail 
outlet or dealer in order to redeem the deposit he was required to pay 
upon purchasing the beverages, see block 1 of the flow chart. The retail 
outlet is in most instances a super market, liquor store or party center 
and in accord with the invention will have a beverage container return 
center to which the purchaser brings his empty containers. The return 
center is usually located near the check-out counters and occupies only a 
relatively small space that may range from 48 to 60 square feet. 
The return center, as noted above, has an elongated counter or work area 
where a clerk at the center can sort and count the returned containers, 
see block 2 of the flow chart. The containers are sorted according to 
brand, as for example "Coca-Cola", "Pabst" beer, "Perrier" water, etc.; 
according to size, as for example 12 oz., 16 oz., etc.; according to 
material, i.e. aluminum, plastic, clear glass or colored glass; and the 
amount of the deposit. At the preset time, the deposit is usually the 
same, i.e. five cents, regardless of the brand, container size or 
material. 
The return center also has a computerized or special electronic cash 
register similar to those used in fast food restaurants. The clerk enters 
into this register his count of the returned containers according to 
brand, size and material as noted above, see block 3. From the information 
entered, the cash register produces a credit slip for the purchaser which 
can be cashed at a check-out counter, block 4. 
The return center counter, in addition to having an area for sorting and 
counting containers, has four openings therethrough beneath which are four 
receptacles for receiving the different scrap grades of containers, i.e. 
clear glass, colored glass, aluminum cans and plastic bottles, block 5. 
The receptacles are preferably 44 gallon plastic trash barrels, and when 
they are full they are emptied into a large compartmentalized hamper that 
is usually located outside the retail outlet at the rear thereof, block 6. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hamper is 22' long, 8' 
wide and 6' high and is divided into three separate compartments for 
receiving the aluminum, clear glass and colored glass containers, block 7. 
The plastic containers have no salvage value and they may at this point be 
shredded and removed for landfill, block 8. 
When any one of the hamper compartments becomes filled, the hamper is 
loaded onto a truck and transported to a transfer station where each 
compartment is unloaded and its contents weighed after which the hamper is 
transported back to the retail outlet, blocks 9 and 10. At the transfer 
station, the clear and colored glass containers are separately crushed and 
loaded into trailers for sale to a recycler, blocks 11 and 12. At the same 
time, the aluminum is baled, loaded into vans and sold to a recycler, 
block 13. 
Referring again to the computerized cash register at the return center, 
block 3, the register is programmed so that as information relating to 
containers of a particular brand is entered into the register it is 
automatically allocated to the retail outlet's distributor for that brand, 
block 14. In this connection, the register maintains a permanent record of 
the number of containers returned for each individual distributor and at 
the end of each week the retail outlet has a record and provides the 
distributor with a computer readout detailing the amount owed by the 
distributor to the outlet for refunds and handling charges, block 15. The 
distributor, for his part, is credited with or reimbursed for the value of 
the salvage. 
The purpose of weighing the contents of the hamper compartments when the 
hamper is taken to the transfer station, block 10, is to provide a check 
on the security of the procedure. Thus, the actual weight of the 
salvagable containers can be compared with the theoretical weight 
generated from cash register tapes to ascertain whether there has been any 
measurable loss of containers from redemption to salvage. 
From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the invention 
provides a novel and very worthwhile beverage container redemption method 
that satisfies a definite need. As will be understood by those familiar 
with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms 
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.