No, they don't go back to their original size, once they're expanded, they stay that way.

As far as the expensive gas, just drive a moped ;-) I spend $3 on gas every week and a half :-D
mountainman Reviewed by mountainman on . Reusing Peat Pellets? I have some peat pellets that I used to attempt germinating some seeds. The seeds did not germinate and the pellets dried out again. Nothing was grown in them and there is no plant matter in them. Can I re-use them to germinate new seeds? Obviously, I'd re-moisten them. Rating: 5