Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for collecting scrap aluminum cans and for compensating depositors based on the weight of such cans deposited includes a micro-processor control means which produces control signals for operating the apparatus and dispensing compensation, calibrating a weighing means, monitoring and displaying the existence of alarm conditions and de-energizing the apparatus until the conditions which caused the alarm are corrected. Further, a communication port is provided to transmit and receive remote information as for example from a central dispatch. The compensation and the rate thereof is controlled by a permanent non-volatile memory means and the weight of the cans upon which compensation is based is displayed to the depositor.