Refillable vending system and method

Abstract

A system for reducing waste and encouraging recycling through a vending system which refills only those containers which are compatible with the vending system. The vending system distinguishes a container's compatibility with the vending system to permit refilling of the container.

1 . A vending system for providing products to containers which are compatible with the vending system. 
   
   
       2 . The vending system of  claim 1 , further comprising a compatibility distinguisher. 
   
   
       3 . The vending system of  claim 2 , wherein the compatibility distinguisher distinguishes a compatible container by a physical characteristic of the container. 
   
   
       4 . The vending system of  claim 2 , wherein the compatibility distinguisher distinguishes a compatible container electronically. 
   
   
       5 . The vending system of  claim 2 , wherein the compatibility distinguisher distinguishes a compatible container by a marking on the container. 
   
   
       6 . A method of reducing the number of recyclable containers comprising transferring a product to a container that is compatible with a vending system, wherein the vending system does not transfer product to an incompatible container. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising identifying that the container is compatible with the vending system. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising providing additives to the product. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising conditioning the product. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising paying for the transferring of the product. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising tracking the number of refills available. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising sterilizing the container. 
   
   
       13 . A container compatible with a vending system wherein the vending system refills only containers compatible with the vending system 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 13 , further comprising an identifier recognizable by the vending system.