System and method for differential weighing of items and reusable container for use therewith

A differential weighing method for determining the weight of an item or a group of like items that must be weighed, and a reusable container for use in the differential weighing process. The reusable container may be, for example, a reusable basket or bag. The reusable container is sized to fit on the load receiving surface of the differential weighing scale or is equipped with a series of bottom locating projections that contact the load receiving surface and transfer the weight of the container and its contents thereto when the container sits on the scale. The scale is adapted for differential weighing, whereby the scale will report the weight of an item or group of like items that are removed from the reusable container as a positive net weight.