Abstract: Apparatus is provided for evacuating and compacting filled aerosol cans. The cans are manually placed into a feed chute and sensing means are provided to confirm proper can orientation and to permit gravity feed of the can into a crushing mechanism. A hydraulic ram pushes the can against a stator plate. A punch reciprocates through an opening in the stator plate puncturing the bottom of the can so that the contents discharge into a receiver where the liquid contents are separated from the propellent and recovered. An air logic means controls the sequencing of the operative steps. The apparatus can be used in an explosive area.