Can Recycling Equipment

Can Recycling Equipment for Aluminium and Steel Cans

Maximise the value of used aluminium and steel beverage cans (UBCs) by compacting them into easily manageable bales with our efficient can recycling equipment. Whether you are processing a steady stream of cans from kerbside collection or handling higher volumes from commercial waste, can balers turn loose cans into dense, saleable bales without tying or strapping, so material moves off site faster and sells for more.

These can recycling machines are specifically designed to handle aluminium and steel cans, turning them into compacted bales that are easier to transport and store. This does not just improve your operational efficiency but also increases the value of the cans for resale.

At JMC Recycling, we offer a range of can recycling equipment, from compact machines for smaller operations to heavy-duty balers for larger-scale processes.

Why can recycling equipment matters for your bottom line

Loose cans take up a huge amount of space relative to their weight, which makes storage and transport disproportionately expensive if they are not compacted. A dedicated can baler solves this at the source, turning bulky, low-density material into dense, uniform bales that stack, store and transport efficiently.

For scrap yards, recycling centres, and any business handling volumes of aluminium or steel cans, that difference in density has a direct effect on cost per tonne moved and the price you can achieve on resale.

Demand for well-processed UBCs remains strong. According to Alupro, the UK’s aluminium packaging recycling organisation, the beverage can recycling rate maintained an impressive 81 percent in 2024, with 157,049 tonnes of aluminium packaging recycled nationally that year.

That volume of material needs processing somewhere, and businesses equipped to handle it efficiently, rather than relying on manual sorting and loose storage, are better placed to capture that value.

What are the benefits of using can recycling equipment?

Increases material value

Compacting UBCs into bales makes it easier to sell and transport for higher prices.

Improves efficiency

Streamlines the recycling process by reducing the space and time needed for storage and transport.

Reduces waste

Effectively processes used cans, preventing them from ending up in landfill.
Boosts operational capacity. Our machines handle large volumes, allowing your recycling business to scale up with ease.

How our can recycling equipment works

Our can balers lock aluminium or steel drinks cans, or other suitable scrap metal, together to form dense cubes of material. No tying or strapping is needed, and bales are ejected from the machine ready for immediate transport or storage.

The smaller the can, the greater the throughput, which makes these machines particularly well suited to standard 330ml and 500ml beverage cans as well as food cans and aerosols.

Machine output scales with the model you choose. Compact machines suit smaller operations processing a few hundred kilograms of cans per hour, while heavy-duty models are built for continuous, higher-volume processing.

This flexibility means you can match your equipment to your actual can volumes rather than over-investing in capacity you do not need, or under-investing and creating a bottleneck as your operation grows.

Choosing the right can baler for your operation

The right machine depends on your can volumes, the mix of aluminium and steel you handle, and how much floor space you have available.

Smaller operations processing collections from a single site or a modest commercial contract are usually well served by a compact baler.

Larger recycling centres and scrap yards handling multiple collection routes or higher volumes of commercial and industrial cans benefit from a heavier-duty machine capable of sustained, higher-throughput operation.

It is also worth thinking about what else moves through your yard alongside cans. If you already process other non-ferrous scrap, a metal baling press capable of handling a wider range of materials may be a better long-term investment than a can-specific machine alone.

Automated separation is part of a wider shift in how metal recycling technology is advancing, and pairing it with the right baler compounds the efficiency gain.

Our team can talk through your material mix and help you decide which route makes the most sense for your operation.

New or used, we have a can baler to suit your budget

Yes, we offer a selection of used can recycling equipment that has been fully serviced and tested to ensure top performance. Purchasing used equipment is a great way to enhance your recycling capabilities while staying within your budget, without compromising on the reliability you would expect from a new machine.

If you would rather spread the cost, we also offer flexible finance options, including leasing and hire purchase agreements, so you can invest in the right can recycling equipment without straining your working capital.

Keeping your can baler running at peak performance

Routine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and occasional parts replacement, is required to keep your machine in peak condition. Neglecting servicing is one of the most common reasons throughput drops off and bale quality becomes inconsistent over time. We offer comprehensive machine servicing and a dedicated spares supply to help maintain the longevity of your equipment, whether it is a machine you bought from us or from another supplier.

Can recycling FAQs

What types of cans can be processed with can recycling equipment?

Our can recycling machines can process a wide range of beverage cans, including aluminium and steel cans commonly used for drinks and food packaging.

How does can recycling equipment work?

Can recycling machines compress and compact used cans into tight bales, making them easier to transport and store. The equipment uses advanced technology to ensure maximum compaction and efficiency.

What is the capacity of can recycling equipment?

Our machines are available in various models with different output capacities, from small-scale balers to heavy-duty machines capable of processing thousands of cans per hour.

Do can recycling machines need maintenance?

Routine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and occasional parts replacement, is required to keep your machine in peak condition. We offer comprehensive machine servicing to help maintain the longevity of your equipment.

Are financing options available for can recycling equipment?

Yes, at JMC Recycling, we provide flexible product financing options, including leasing and hire purchase agreements, to help you invest in can recycling equipment without straining your budget.

Get in touch

Whether you are looking to add can processing capacity for the first time or upgrade an existing baler, our team can help you find the right machine for your volumes and budget. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.