According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a function module arrangement (1002), which is installed on a support framework (204a) above an empty-container transport device (202t), wherein the function module arrangement (1002) has: a module receptacle (1004) for receiving multiple function modules (1006), the multiple function modules (1006), which are designed to match the module receptacle (1004) such that the multiple function modules (1006) can each be selectively received in multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) in the module receptacle (1004), at least one processor (1008) which is configured to ascertain an actual configuration of the multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) and to operate the function module arrangement (1002) and/or the compactor arrangement (202) on the basis of the ascertained actual configuration.

A fraud detection system for a reverse vending machine, the system including: a detector adapted to detect at least one container entered into the reverse vending machine; a compactor load sensor adapted to measure load of a compactor of the reverse vending machine during operation, wherein the compactor is adapted to compact entered containers downstream of the detector; and a compactor load sensor monitoring device configured to determine whether the detected at least one container is compacted as expected based on the load measured by the compactor load sensor.

A container deposit return system having a housing, a crushing assembly and a control system. The crushing assembly is positioned within the housing and has a first crushing wall and a second crushing wall spaced apart from the first crushing wall defining a crush cavity, and, a crushing wall movement assembly structurally configured to move the first crushing wall relative to the second crushing wall to direct the first crushing wall toward and away from the second crushing wall. The two crushing walls are configured crush a container that is positioned within the crush cavity. The control system having at least one imaging sensor, the imaging sensor configured to record an image the container before crushing and after crushing.

According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a compactor (102); an empty-container transport device (202t) for transporting empty containers (104) in the compactor arrangement (202) in a transport region (1000t) above the empty-container transport device (202t); a first anti-encroachment guard structure (1000s) which laterally delimits the transport region (1000t) and which is provided between the transport region (1000t) and the compactor (102), wherein the first anti-encroachment guard structure (1000s) defines a feed region (1000d) through which empty containers (104) can be fed laterally out of the transport region (1000t) to the compactor (102); and a guard device (1002) having a second anti-encroachment guard structure (1002s) which is configured such that, selectively, an encroachment from the direction of the transport region (1000t) into the feed region (1000d) can be prevented.

A fraud detection system for a reverse vending machine, the system including: a detector adapted to detect at least one container entered into the reverse vending machine; a compactor load sensor adapted to measure load of a compactor of the reverse vending machine during operation, wherein the compactor is adapted to compact entered containers downstream of said detector; and a compactor load sensor monitoring device configured to determine whether the detected at least one container is compacted as expected based on the load measured by the compactor load sensor.

An apparatus for compacting waste objects includes a seat provided with a support assembly for supporting the waste object to be compacted; a push member being moveable inside the seat for compacting in use of the apparatus the waste object against an end wall of the seat; the support assembly including two support members that rotate away from each other for discharging the compacted object through an aperture. The support members can impede discharge of a compacted object of a specific type through the aperture to collect the compacted object of the specific type in a dedicated container. Protuberances can be applied to the push member and an end wall of the seat for producing depressions in the compacted object so that the compacted object does not lose the compacted condition once pressure applied by the push member is removed.

A reverse vending machine is provided that includes an interface cabinet having an inlet portal. At least one bin is provided for receiving the accepted recyclable container. A roller system identifies and sorts the recyclable containers. A crusher is driven by a motor with a mechanical coupling between the crusher and the motor. The crusher is adapted to receive various containers and is positioned intermediate between the roller system and the bin. A cart or frame displaceable relative to the interface cabinet, the crusher is mounted on the cart or the frame. A reverse vending machine in another embodiment includes a interface cabinet, the interface cabinet having an inlet portal for recyclable container input and a rejected container depository. At least one bin and a roller system are provided along with a wash system for cleaning components of the interface cabinet between the inlet portal and the bin.

An apparatus for crushing aluminum beverage cans, including; a containment structure with an integral crushing chamber, a pneumatic crushing cylinder with a hub type crushing head which ensures the can remains inside the crushing chamber during the crushing event, an ejection cylinder with an ejection ram, solenoid control valves, a safety interlock switch and a 3 position control switch, an air/gas supply and distribution system and an electrical control system. Two pneumatic cylinders; which are supplied air via two 3-way solenoid control valves, are used to perform the crushing and ejection work. Simultaneous two handed switch operation is required to energize either of the 3-way solenoid control valves to route air to the pneumatic cylinders. Two handed switch operation ensures that the operator's hands are free of the crushing chamber during operation.

A process for recycling aerosol cans. The process includes the steps of draining the materials of the aerosol cans, collecting the materials of the aerosol cans, and refining the contents of the aerosol cans into original products that are available for resale. The step of draining the materials of aerosol cans is done by crushing the aerosol cans in an inert atmosphere and creating a metal brick from the aerosol cans. The materials are then drained into separator tanks where they can be separated and refined for resale.

The invention discloses a device for cleaning, recycling, and compressing a plastic beverage bottle, which includes a body. The body is provided with a working cavity. The working cavity is provided with a moving conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is provided with a fixed cavity. The cavity is provided with a fixing device for fixing the water bottle. The motor is first moved away, and the plastic bottles are fixed between the fixing blocks, and then water is injected into the water injection port. The device can wash and clean the plastic bottles after drinking, thus completing the automatic preliminary treatment of plastic bottles. Compared with traditional processing methods, the device does not require manual processing of plastic bottles, saving manpower and material resources. At the same time, the device cleans plastic bottles, which can ensure that during subsequent reprocessing, there can be health protection.