Abstract: The self-emptying container has relatively moveable parts (10, 11, 40, 41) normally secured together by a latch mechanism. In one embodiment, the container has an upright body (10) and a pivotal base (11). In another embodiment the body is a tipping skip or hopper (40) on a pallet base (41). The latch mechanism (19, 49) comprises a fore and aft flat bar (22, 52) pivoted at one end. The other end locates below the horizontal limb (29, 59) of an L shaped latch member (24, 54) which is lifted by the flat bar (22, 52) when an upward pressure is applied to the bar. That is done via lift apparatus such as a fork lift truck. The container is raised over a surface (S) and lowered onto that surface to pivot the flat bar (22, 52) upwards causing the latch member (24, 54) to release the relatively moveable parts to empty the container. In the first embodiment, the container is then raised so that the base pivots open. In the second embodiment the skip body 40 tips forward.