an automatic empty container return machine includes a detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category , an input unit located upstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to the detection unit , an output unit located downstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers that have been identified by the detection unit as being of the predetermined category , a transport stage having a conveyor for transporting empty containers from the input unit through the detection unit to the output unit , and a self - cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of the input unit , detection unit , output unit and transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean surfaces thereof that are preselected to be cleaned .