Abstract: A can compactor includes an electric motor connected to drive a chain which, in turn, drives a pair of crushing belts arranged in opposing fashion to form a V. One of the belts is driven clockwise while the other belt is driven counterclockwise. Cans to be crushed are placed through a guide in an open area at the top of the two belts, where they break a light beam, triggering a photo-sensitive switch, which starts the motor. A normally closed limit switch is placed in close proximity to the chain drive, and a special link on the chain is positioned to engage the limit switch to open the normally closed switch, and thus stop the motor after a single revolution of the chain. This is sufficient time for the crusher belts to thoroughly flatten the can. Can gripping lugs on at least one of the belts assure that the cans are positively fed through the mechanism and out the bottom of the V.