Abstract: A multi-metal container separating apparatus is provided for orienting, delidding and compacting containers. The apparatus includes an orienting unit which orients the lids of the containers in a predetermined direction. After orientation, the containers are fed to a delidding unit. The delidding unit includes a clamping assembly for gripping each container during the delidding process in which one end is removed from each container. While each container is held fixed in position, a piercing element is extended from within a moving plunger body to penetrate an end of the container. The piercing element is then retracted within the plunger body. Movement of the plunger body continues through the body of the container and the plunger body engages the other end of the container. The force of the plunger body in a direction inwardly to outwardly of the container removes this end of the container. The delidded container falls to a pivotable support platform.