Techniques for managing information relating to recyclable containers

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information relating to recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a consumer returns beverage containers to a redemption kiosk offering a significantly improved consumer experience. Rather than having to wait for an attendant to count the containers and provide value in exchange, an account is maintained for the consumer to which the containers' value is ascribed. The redemption kiosk projects a neat and sanitary appearance, and is designed to be situated in a parking lot outside a retail location so as not to occupy valuable floor space. Information on consumer recycling activities is captured and analyzed to support marketing activities.

1 . A method for performing a redemption transaction involving a return of recyclable containers by a consumer to a return center and a transfer of value to the consumer in exchange for the recyclable containers, the method comprising:
 (A) providing, at a first time, a receptacle to a consumer, the receptacle being usable by the consumer to drop off recyclable containers at the return center;   (B) receiving, at a second time subsequent to the first time, the receptacle, containing recyclable containers, at the return center, the receptacle being identified via an identifier;   (C) processing the recyclable containers, the act of processing including determining a value to be provided to the consumer in exchange for the recyclable containers; and   (D) making the value determined in (C) available in an account accessible to the consumer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier is a consumer identifier. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier is a transaction identifier, (A) comprises creating a logical relationship between the transaction identifier and a consumer identifier, and (D) comprises employing the logical relationship to transfer the value to the account used by the consumer. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the act (B) comprises receiving the receptacle having the identifier printed thereon. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (E) receiving a consumer identifier from the consumer;   (F) employing the consumer identifier to determine an amount available in the account; and   (G) providing a selected amount to the consumer, the selected amount comprising at least a portion of the amount available in the account.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein (E) further comprises receiving the consumer identifier via a scanner which detects the consumer identifier on an article presented by the consumer. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the value determined in (C) is embodied in one or more of cash, credit, and coupons. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (E) receiving an indication from the consumer that at least a portion of the value in the account is to be donated to charity.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein (C) comprises transporting the recyclable containers to a facility for processing. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein (B) comprises providing a receipt to the consumer for the recyclable containers contained in the receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . A system for performing redemption transactions, comprising:
 a receptacle provision facility operable to provide a receptacle, usable for dropping off recyclable containers, to a consumer, a provided receptacle being identified via an identifier;   a receptacle receipt facility operable to receive a receptacle from a consumer containing recyclable containers;   a recyclable container processing facility operable to receive recyclable containers contained in a receptacle and to determine a value to be provided in exchange for the recyclable containers; and   a value accessibility facility operable to make the value determined by the recyclable container processing facility available in an account accessible to a consumer.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the identifier is a consumer identifier. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the identifier is a transaction identifier, the receptacle provision facility is operable to create a logical relationship between the transaction identifier and a consumer identifier, and the value accessibility facility is operable to employ the logical relationship to make the value available in an account accessible by the consumer. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a provided receptacle has an identifier printed thereon. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an account value determination facility operable to employ a consumer identifier in determining an amount available in an account; and   a withdrawal facility to enable a consumer to withdraw a selected amount, the selected amount comprising at least a portion of the amount available in the account.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the value determined by the recyclable container processing facility is embodied in one or more of cash, credit, and coupons. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an indication receipt facility operable to receive an indication from the consumer that at least a portion of the value in the account is to be donated to charity.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the receptacle receipt facility is operable to provide a receipt to the consumer for the recyclable containers contained in the receptacle.