Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus

A drinking water bottle return apparatus comprising:

• a bin having an interior space capable of holding a plurality of drinking water bottles of predetermined size;
• a receiving tray movable between an open position and a closed position and being adapted and positioned such that when said receiving tray is in the open position a drinking water bottle of predetermined size can be placed in said receiving tray from outside of the apparatus, when said receiving tray is in the closed position said receiving tray prevents passage of a drinking water bottle of predetermined size into said receiving tray from outside of the apparatus and when said receiving tray is moved from the open position to the closed position a drinking water bottle of predetermined size placed in said receiving tray while in the open position enters into said bin;
• a first sensor adapted and positioned to detect said receiving tray in the open position,
• a second sensor adapted and positioned to detect a drinking water bottle of predetermined size entering said bin;
• and
• a receipt dispenser operatively connected to said first sensor and to said second sensor such that said receipt dispenser dispenses a receipt therefrom in response to detection by said second sensor of a drinking water bottle of predetermined size entering said bin within a predetermined time period after detection by said first sensor of said receiving tray in the open position.