Abstract: A machine for mechanically opening and emptying bags which may contain a toxic product is described. The machine comprises a conveyor arranged so as to bring each bag toward a product hopper, severing devices adapted for severing three faces of the bag during the advancement of the bag and a gripping system for gripping the severed bag, for displacing it, for pouring the content thereof into the hopper and for bringing the empty bag to a disposal place, the machine being equipped with apparatus suitable for controlling automatically the conveyor, the severing devices and the gripping system according to a predetermined operation sequence.