Can You Recycle Crushed Cans?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Do you accept crushed cans?”
The short answer is yes - crushed cans can generally be recycled at Containers for Change. There are just a few key points to keep in mind to make your return easy and hassle-free.
The barcode matters
Barcodes are important because Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) rely on them to identify the containers being returned.
If your container is lightly crushed cans and the barcode is still scannable, you’re fine to return these at most refund points.
But don’t fret - cans with no visible barcode can still be returned! These will just need to be taken to a depot, bag drop or picked up via a home collection as these don’t rely on barcode scanning technology.
Which crushed cans can’t be recycled?
There are only two cases where cans can’t be accepted: if they’ve been baled into large industrial blocks, or if they’ve been mechanically destroyed. Light home crushing is fine, but industrial-level squashing is a no-go.
Our quick guide for returning crushed cans
- Crushed cans with a visible barcode: These can be returned at most refund points without an issue, including RVMs, depots, bag drops, or via home collection.
- Crushed cans with no visible barcode: You’ll need to head to a depot, bag drop or book a home collection. Skip the RVMs, as they won’t be able to process it.
- Baled or mechanically destroyed cans: These aren’t accepted at any Containers for Change location.
Recycling crushed cans made simple
So, can you recycle crushed cans with Containers for Change? Absolutely! How flattened they are will just determine where they can be returned.
Either way, your crushed cans can still be recycled and you’ll still get your 10-cent refund. That’s good news for your wallet and even better news for the planet.
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