A power operated container crushing device, the device comprising: an upper housing; a lower housing integral with the upper housing; and a crushing mechanism comprising a motor attached to and retained in upper housing, wherein said motor includes a motor hear for rotational engagement with a drive gear; a drive axle with the drive gear fixably attached at one end for rotation thereof and means to attach the drive axle to a threaded sleeve at the other; an elongated threaded sleeve fixably attached to the drive axle for rotation thereof; a threaded shaft for threadably engaging the threaded sleeve; and a crushing plate fixably attached to the threaded shaft; wherein when the motor rotates the motor gear in one direction, the crushing plate moves in a downward direction, and when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the crushing plate moves in an upward direction.