Dollar, returning the empty container (6)
I believe the answer is:
bucket
'container' is the definition.
(bucket is a kind of container)
'dollar returning the empty' is the wordplay.
'dollar' becomes 'buck' (slang).
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'empty' means to remove the middle letters.
'the' with its middle taken out is 'te'.
'te' reversed gives 'et'.
'buck'+'et'='BUCKET'
(Other definitions for bucket that I've seen before include "Kick this water container to die" , "Waterwheel compartment" , "Resembling soil" , "Round open water container with handle" , "Round container for carrying" .)