But machines don't accept crushed cans, or bottles missing their barcodes. Part of that process is ensuring that cans and plastic bottle retain their shape, because crushed cans aren't accepted by the bottle return machines where those returns are made. It takes a bit more effort, but crushed cans and bottles with damaged barcodes should still be accepted and Pfand paid out. No Pfand lostDeposit machines, typically found in grocery stores will typically not accept dented, compressed or otherwise damaged cans or bottles. "If a retailer sells beverage cans, they must take back all beverage cans, regardless of brand, shape or content," Annett Reinke, a lawyer at the Brandenburg Consumer Advice Centre (VZB), told DPA.