Foot operated can crusher

It's been estimated that every household in the UK gets through around 200 aluminium drink cans, and 600 tin cans (which are mostly made from steel), every year. Each one of these can be recycled into new tins and cans ad infinitum.

Recycling tins and cans saves energy and natural resources, and also reduces the pressure on landfill. For example, recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy and 5% of the CO2 emissions compared with mining and smelting. Whilst reclaiming one ton of steel saves 1.5 tons of ore, and 74% of the energy required to make it from raw materials.

Across the world, over 50% of aluminium cans are recycled. Every minute of every day, an average of 113,200 aluminium cans are recycled (source: thinkcans.net)

Given that most local authorities collect tins and cans, these days recycling has never been easier: all you need to do is rinse them out and put in the correct bin at your local recycling centre, or in your kerbside collection box. Better still, to make more space, squash the can first, which is where this can crusher comes in.

It's a simple, effective foot operated device. To use, place it on an even floor, put your empty cans and tins in and push down with your foot. Hey presto, you've reduced your cans to about 1/3 of their original size.

No more carting around bulging bags of clattering cans - with a simple and satisfying push on the crusher, your cans and tins get well and truly squashed, and ready for recycling.

Using one is also a great way to get kids on board: put them in charge of it! They can flex their muscles, and be doing something positive for the environment in the process.

Nigel says:

If all the cans in the UK were recycled there'd be 14 million fewer full dustbins going to landfill each year. A recycled aluminium can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours, and recycling seven steel cans saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 26 hours.

Price around: £14.79

Click here to find out more about the on Nigel's Eco Store:

See other sites where you can purchase green and ethical products

Please note: The Energy Saving Trust does not endorse this product