Techniques for managing information relating to recyclable containers
First Claim
1. A method of managing information relating to consumer recycling activities comprising acts of:
- (A) performing a recycling transaction with each of a plurality of consumers, each consumer being identifiable via a consumer identifier, each recycling transaction comprising an exchange of at least one recyclable container returned by a consumer for value;
(B) assigning a transaction identifier to each recycling transaction;
(C) storing, in electronic file storage, an indication of each recycling transaction, the indication including the transaction identifier and consumer identifier.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method of managing information relating to consumer recycling activities comprising acts of:
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(A) performing a recycling transaction with each of a plurality of consumers, each consumer being identifiable via a consumer identifier, each recycling transaction comprising an exchange of at least one recyclable container returned by a consumer for value;
(B) assigning a transaction identifier to each recycling transaction;
(C) storing, in electronic file storage, an indication of each recycling transaction, the indication including the transaction identifier and consumer identifier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. At least one computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon, which instructions, when executed, perform a method of managing information relating to consumer recycling activities, the method comprising acts of:
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(A) performing a recycling transaction with each of a plurality of consumers, each consumer being identifiable via a consumer identifier, each recycling transaction comprising an exchange of at least one recyclable container returned by a consumer for value;
(B) assigning a transaction identifier to each recycling transaction;
(C) storing, in electronic file storage, an indication of each recycling transaction, the indication including the transaction identifier and consumer identifier. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A system for managing information relating to consumer recycling activities comprising:
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a transaction controller operable to perform a recycling transaction with each of a plurality of consumers, each consumer being identifiable via a consumer identifier, each recycling transaction comprising an exchange of at least one recyclable container returned by a consumer for value;
an assignment controller operable to assign a transaction identifier to each recycling transaction;
an electronic file storage;
a storage controller operable to store, in the electronic file storage, an indication of each recycling transaction, the indication including the transaction identifier and consumer identifier. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification