Automated recycling machine

An apparatus for recycling containers, comprising:

• first means for determining whether a container includes at least a threshold amount of metal;
• second means for receiving the container;
• third means for providing information relating to the size of the container;
• fourth means, disposed downstream of said first means relative to movement of the container, for checking whether the container has a predetermined amount of metal;
• fifth means for crushing the container;
• chute means, adjacent to said second means, having a passageway through which the container moves;
• duct means connected to said chute means for carrying pressurized air;
• pressurized air means for supplying pressurized air to said duct means;
• and
• a crushing chamber for receipt of the container to be crushed, said crushing chamber being in communication with said pressurized air means to provide a substantially closed loop air supply for creating reduced pressure to assist in movement of the container relative to said crushing chamber.

An apparatus for recycling containers, comprising:

• first means for determining whether a container includes at least a threshold amount of metal;
• second means for receiving the container;
• third means for providing information relating to the size of the container;
• fourth means, disposed downstream of said first means relative to movement of the container, for checking whether the container has a predetermined amount of metal;
• fifth means for crushing the container, said fifth means including a container crushing chamber that has a movable lower door;
• and
• means for causing movement of said lower door in response to a determination that said crushing chamber contains a container made substantially of an unwanted material.