Abstract: A compression device particularly for aluminum cans comprises a frame and an endless driven belt mounted therein and provided with friction means on its outer side. A hold-down member in the form of a plate of a low-friction elastic plastic material is so disposed along and opposite one run of the belt that this run and the hold-down member at one end (inlet end) of the belt will be spaced from each other a distance which exceeds the maximum diameter of the can to be subjected to compression, and progressively approach one another such that they will be located close to each other at the opposite end (discharge end) of the belt.