Yes, if possible. Cans that have been rinsed out are less likely to develop nasty odors or attract insects over time. If you’re crushing cans to save space, you’ll be emptying your bin less often, so there’s more time for smells and bugs to show up. A quick rinse is enough, though. Unlike steel food cans, drink cans don’t harbor chunks of vegetables or meat. And don’t stress if one of your guests crushes without rinsing. Cans are often cleaned again at the recycling facility, and any leftover debris burns off when cans are melted down for recycling. Aluminum melts at around 1,220°F, a temperature sticky soda drips can’t survive.