When I first heard about the idea to have an electronic can crusher, I thought about making it as entertaining as possible; I thought about using a fast acting, electronic, linear actuator (solenoid style), but I haven't been able to find extended action solenoids (5 inches, to crush the can). I think the actuators which are driven by a motor and worm gear are far too slow. I want it to stomp the crap outta that can, and quickly ... like almost imperceptibly fast. It wouldn't take much power to actually crush the can, if it were done in this manner either; just a quick, high current pulse, and the shaft can be retracted with a spring. I've designed pneumatic stompers, to factory insert plungers into caulk tubes, so I know exactly how I would do this pneumatically, with pistons, limiter switches, regulators, and differential pulse controls. Electrically/electronically, I would use a momentary switch. One which, no matter how long you mash it, it only stays on for a split second; That way we don't burn our coil.
Anyway, that's my idea. I hope this makes it.