The tray clearing unit for the continuous collection and delivery of returned dirty trays for cleaning.

The dirty dishes and food remains on the trays are cleared from the tray trolley. An intermediate buffer function ensures an uninterrupted process sequence. The further removal of the trays is spill-free on the downstream transport conveyors for clearing away food remains, plates and cutlery.

Depending on the design, the the filled food transport trolleys can be fed either manually or in an automated process.

Optionally, an additional downstream automation module can be employed to remove any remaining dirt and to transport the emptied transport trolley onwards to the washing system.