Abstract: A cylindrical metal container is weakened along folding regions to aid crushing by hand or when using a can crusher. The weakened folding regions are created by nondeformably weakening the material strength of the container along the folding regions. This is typically accomplished by quickly heating and then cooling the container along the folding regions to anneal the material in the folding regions so the material strength of the folding regions is less than that of the surrounding container material. One direct heating method uses an open flame to rapidly heat the container material. Heated rollers can also be used to heat the folding regions indirectly. Other methods for the localized weakening of the material strength, such as chemical etching, can also be used. The pattern of the folding regions is determined by the configuration of the container and the expected method of crushing.