New systems, methods and devices for the management of reusable food containers, such as dishes and/or trays, are provided. Systems and devices for managing a large inventory of dishes or trays to be re-used, are provided. A re-usable tray management and processor device is provided. The re-usable tray management and processor device includes a control system, a first, tray-receiving end, a tray conveyor, at least one scanning device(s), a denester/dispenser, a separator and an offloading end, configured to offload soiled reusable food containers to a washing, drying and packing section. Rotary release actuator(s) are included within the denester/dispenser. And a new form of rotary actuator and brush and excavator tool is provided, coupled with each of the rotary release actuators. In some embodiments, the control system plans actions downstream of a pre-cleaning station, based on data received from the scanning device(s).