The present invention relates to a system consisting of a) a plurality of containers having an information label which contains a unique and distinct container identification that can be read out, b) a first read device for reading out container identifications from information labels and for generating a data string on the basis of the read out container identification, c) a database (4) for storing the data string in a database entry and d) a control device which initiates the transmission of the generated data string to the database (4).

A mobile device scans a machine-readable code on a collection container; a Web page is downloaded to the device from a Web application which generates or retrieves a unique identifier for the device. The device then scans a can and the can's unique identifier is transmitted to the Web application to determine if the can had been scanned. If not, the device is alerted and a credit for the device's unique identifier is updated in a database. Or, the device scans a card to obtain a user unique identifier and then scans the can. The device scans a machine-readable code of the collection container to obtain a unique identifier for that collection container. Or, a user scans the card using an embedded scanning device of a collection container before scanning a can. The embedded device includes the unique identifier of the collection container which is sent to the Web application.

A method for a dispensing machine is provided. The method may include receiving a container at a return port of a dispensing device having a housing, inspecting incoming dirty containers for defects using at least one sensor and logic, cleaning the container within the housing, adding fluid to the container after cleaning the container, capping the container after adding fluid to produce a capped container, receiving an input request to dispense the capped container, and dispensing the capped container in response to receipt of the input request.

A device for singulation of used beverage or food containers received in bulk into individual objects, including: a first receiving area arranged for simultaneously receiving and keeping a plurality of containers; a second receiving area positioned at a higher vertical level than the first receiving area, wherein the device further includes a transporting device including a container elevating member for transporting a container from the first receiving area to the second receiving area, wherein the elevating member is attached to said transporting device, moves along and is locked to a circumferential path around a first axis upon activation of the transporting device, and the first axis is inclined at an angle of 1 to 45 relative the horizontal plane.

A fraud detection system for a reverse vending machine, the system including: a detector adapted to detect at least one container entered into the reverse vending machine; a compactor load sensor adapted to measure load of a compactor of the reverse vending machine during operation, wherein the compactor is adapted to compact entered containers downstream of the detector; and a compactor load sensor monitoring device configured to determine whether the detected at least one container is compacted as expected based on the load measured by the compactor load sensor.

Methods and systems are disclosed including a semi-automated canister distribution system comprising a cabinet system including a cabinet having at least one compartment having a door, and a system controller in communication with the cabinet system and having computer processor(s) executing instructions that cause the computer processors to: receive inventory data indicative of a number of canisters in the cabinet system; receive a data element indicative of details of a purchase transaction; determine that the purchase transaction can be satisfied based on the details of the purchase transaction and the inventory data; transmit, after determining that purchase transaction can be satisfied, signals to the cabinet system indicative of instructions to change the door between a locked and unlocked state; and receive signals from the cabinet system indicative of a number of substantially full propane canisters removed and/or a number of empty propane canisters placed in the cabinet.

A compactor arrangement (202) includes a compactor; an empty-container transport device for transporting empty containers in the compactor arrangement in a transport region above the empty-container transport device; a first anti-encroachment guard structure which laterally delimits the transport region and which is provided between the transport region and the compactor, wherein the first anti-encroachment guard structure defines a feed region through which empty containers can be fed laterally out of the transport region to the compactor; and a guard device having a second anti-encroachment guard structure which is configured such that, selectively, an encroachment from the direction of the transport region into the feed region can be prevented.

A 3 in 1 reverse vending machine. A vending machine that is solar powered and accepts bottles and cans made of plastic, aluminum, and glass. The machine includes a conveyor system, barcode reader and cleaning system, this prepares the bottle and cans to be shredded and then granulated into small pieces. The machine houses a delivery system that carries the smaller pieces of processed material to its predetermined receptacle for storage. Each bottle and can has a monetary value once received by the machine that will be issued to the user once all bottles and cans are received and calculated per user per transaction.

Disclosed embodiments of a system for managing waste materials and tracking the portion of received recyclable materials that are recycled and/or monetized. The disclosed system may include smart balers; imaging devices, such as cameras or video cameras; barcode, QR, RFID or other near field scanners; and one or more processors operably connected to these devices. A processor is typically configured to determine what portion of incoming materials may be recyclable and/or what portion of those incoming recyclable materials are recycled and/or monetized. The processor may also be configured to generate and visualize reports relating to the waste management process including generating a single index number of the capture percentage rate.

A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane.