The cool deposit return machines

All sodas, bottled water, juices, etc. require a deposit of about 15 cents here in Germany.  To return them and get your money back, most grocery stores have installed machines to do the job.

The machines have an opening just large enough for the bottle.  You place it in the opening and a tiny conveyor belt takes it in.  Once inside, a light comes on and the bottle is spun around until the bar code can be read.  It registers the amount on the screen on the front of the machine and conveys it into the back room.  If it is a can, it then pushes it aside and you can hear it being crushed right on the spot.  If that store does not sell that item, it will spit it back out to you.  When you are done, push the button on the front and a receipt comes out that you can take to the cash register!

Here it is in action!