Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a container having a base and a top. The apparatus includes a housing and a lid which releasibly attaches to the housing. The lid contains a hole or recess to receive the top of a container. The apparatus also includes a shelf which has a top side containing at least one recess adapted to receive the base of the container. The shelf and the lid cooperate to hold the container securely. Additionally, the apparatus may include rods and the shelf may contain orifices to receive the rods. The shelf travels along the rods such that it remains parallel and aligned with the lid. Finally, gears, belts, or handles serve to force the shelf against the lid and thereby crush the container held between the lid and the shelf.