System and method for collecting containers

A system for collecting containers, comprising:

• a storage receptacle having an access door;
• a support tray;
• said storage receptacle having a front panel slot through which a container is inserted for receipt on said support tray;
• a scanner for detecting the presence of the container on the support tray;
• a controller responsive to a detection at the scanner;
• a collection bag supported in the storage receptacle at a bottom thereof and for receiving the container;
• and a mechanism responsive to the controller for detecting the presence of the container for releasing the container from the support tray to enable the container to fall into the collection bag;
• a token hopper for releasing tokens and a card reader.

A method of collecting containers in a collection bag that is disposed in a storage receptacle, comprising the steps of:

• inserting a container through an opening in the storage receptacle by placing the container on a support tray;
• scanning the container by means of a scanner to detect, by means of a controller, the presence of the container on the support tray;
• and, upon detection of the container, releasing the container by means of a release member from the support tray to enable the container to fall into the collection bag;
• resting the collection bag at the bottom of the storage receptacle in an open position for ready receipt of the container;
• wherein the releasing step includes providing a pivot mechanism that pivots the support tray so that the container is released and allowed to fall to the collection bag.

A method of collecting containers in a collection bag that is disposed in a storage receptacle, comprising the steps of:

• inserting a container through an opening in the storage receptacle by placing the container on a support tray;
• scanning the container by means of a scanner to detect, by means of a controller, the presence of the container on the support tray;
• and, upon detection of the container, releasing the container by means of a release member from the support tray to enable the container to fall into the collection bag;
• and providing a token hopper and a card reader and a trigger device, the trigger device controlling the controller so as to provide one of dispensing of a token and crediting a user ID card.

A system for collecting containers, comprising:

• a storage receptacle having an access door;
• a support member;
• said storage receptacle having a front panel slot through which a container is inserted for receipt on said support member;
• said support member including a chute for receiving the container;
• a storage bag in the bottom of the receptacle;
• at least a first trigger mechanism for sensing the passing of the container to the storage bag;
• a token hopper activated upon detection of the container by said trigger mechanism;
• and a control line coupling from the trigger mechanism to the token hopper for controlling the dispensing of a token from the token hopper.

A system for collecting containers, comprising:

• a storage receptacle having an access door;
• a support member;
• said storage receptacle having a front panel slot through which a container is inserted for receipt on said support member;
• said support member including a chute for receiving the container;
• a pair of trigger mechanisms for sensing the passing of the container;
• and a token hopper activated upon detection by said trigger mechanisms;
• said pair of trigger mechanisms being spaced apart.