Abstract: The can counter slide of the present invention comprises an elongated slide having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending longitudinally therein. The slide is inclined so that the cans, when placed on the slide, will fit within the grooves and slide downwardly toward the lower end. At the lower end are a plurality of photo-electric cells, one for each of the V-shaped grooves. These photo-electric cells sense and count each can as it slides off the lower end of the slide. A vibrator can be applied to the slide to cause the slide to vibrate and thereby enhance the ability of the cans to slide downwardly in the V-shaped grooves. Also, a rotating brush can be provided adjacent the lower end of the slide to cause each of the cans to speed up and thereby separate from the other cans in the V-shaped groove, just prior to the time that the cans encounter the photo-electric cells.