Looking for a "Buy It for Life" Can Crusher

teacherer on 28/03/2025 - 13:05
Last edited 28/03/2025 - 13:12

Hey OzBargainers, I've recently found out that containers for change are now taking crushed cans

I'm in the market for a solid, long-lasting can crusher that can handle regular use without bending. Ideally, I’m after something heavy-duty, metal (no flimsy plastic parts), and wall-mountable for easy use.

I've seen a lot of cheap ones on Amazon with mixed reviews, and apparently the cheap bunnings one is crap. I’d love to hear from anyone who has a reliable one that has stood the test of time. Happy to spend a bit more for quality.

Thanks

In general, the scheme can accept hand crushed containers. To crush or not to crush depends on the refund point type you choose

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • tenpercent on 28/03/2025 - 13:15
    +4

    You probably have two already.

    • ESEMCE on 28/03/2025 - 15:59

      Twist and squeeze.

  • Some Human on 28/03/2025 - 13:24
    +8

    You dont have feet? I've been using feet since i was old enough to crush cans.

    • Duckie2hh on 28/03/2025 - 15:52

      Plot twist: OP is paraplegic.

      • MS Paint on 28/03/2025 - 20:21
        +6

        Roll over them then.

  • Cluster on 28/03/2025 - 13:25

    The model sold by Bunnings is all metal and wall mountable. Works well.

  • Russell Dupsumtucka on 28/03/2025 - 13:27
    +1

    Reality: In general, the scheme can accept hand crushed containers.

    Not sure your heavy duty machine crusher will be accepted.

  • coxjon on 28/03/2025 - 13:56
    +3

    My place takes cans that I’ve picked up from the road, flattened by cars.

    • JIMB0 on 28/03/2025 - 16:31

      So leave them behind the tyres to get crushed when driving the car?

  • DingoBlue on 28/03/2025 - 14:48

    I've been looking in the past few weeks and can't find anything buy it for life worthy.

    The main style you see (as at Bunnings) all look very similar if not identical, and they all either have bad reviews or appear identical to another that has bad reviews.

    There are a few in the US (Amazon) at $50-60 that seem good but that's too much to justify.

    • teacherer on 28/03/2025 - 14:50

      My experience also. Cheers

  • DingoBlue on 28/03/2025 - 14:57

    I wonder if the aversion to crushed cans is

    a) Fraud - crushed so much they can't actually see what the can was to determine legitimacy

    b) Safety - sharp edges

    • mskeggs on 29/03/2025 - 01:09
      +4

      As kids we’d put the odd stone in cans before we foot crushed them and recycled at Alcoa. If you were too obvious, the bloke would reject you, but we maybe went 15% over with rocks.

  • JIMB0 on 28/03/2025 - 16:33
    +2

    What's the business case, will it allow you to collect significantly more? You're looking a lot of cans just to recoup the cost of the machine.

    • Joey2scoops on 29/03/2025 - 07:59

      Business case?

      • JIMB0 on 29/03/2025 - 09:09

        It's labour intensive and requires purchasing a machine. What's the advantage of crushing them? I doubt you get more money for them, it likely just saves space and possibly less trips to the depo.

        • bamzero on 30/03/2025 - 05:07

          Exactly that, I can fit around 300 in a 60L bin. No need for a machine. I crush flat sideways, top and bottom folded in a bit then stomp on it.

  • pegaxs on 28/03/2025 - 17:23

    Depends on how much you want to spend. You have to work out how many cans you would need to crush and sell before you start seeing a return on your investment. The other thing to consider it with the “buy it for life” is, how many have to fail before spending the extra you spend on better quality is outweighed…

    Concrete block or brick, pretty much free if you scout around.
    Steel toecap boot, maybe $10 from charity store
    Some scrap steel and Uncle Ian’s welder, maybe a 6pack and/or a box of darts
    Sledge hammer from a garage sale, $5 (may need new handle)
    Wall mounded pull handle from retail/online shop, $25~$50
    Self loading, automated unit, $150~250.
    Industrial Grade, high output multi can unit, $1,100~if you have to ask, you can’t afford it…

    • teacherer on 29/03/2025 - 11:10

      Looks the same as the bunnings one

  • LFO on 29/03/2025 - 21:15

    Crashed cans not accepted at the one nearby Reedy Creek Rd. : TOMRA Recycling Centre - Varsity Lakes

    Nor any of the Circullis machines.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join