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Revision as of 21:40, 27 April 2005 by 67.89.29.40 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)A reverse vending machine is a device that accepts used (empty) beverage containers and returns money to the user. (Generally the reverse of typical vending cycle).
The machines were popular in states that enacted mandatory recycling laws where bottlers paid funds into a centralized pool that would be disbursed to people who recycled the containers. Any exess funds were to be used for general environmental cleanup.
History
Several patents were awarded to Bruce DeWoolfson in the 1980's concerning this technology. These patents were assigned to a company Environmental Products Corporation - who manufactured and supported thousands of machines across the united states.
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