Abstract: A can opening system and method for removing the contents of a plurality of cans. The can opening system includes a housing adapted to receive a can and shield an operator from equipment within the housing, a top clamping assembly within the housing adapted to clamp onto a top edge of the can, a bottom clamping assembly within the housing configured to clamp against a lower side of the can, a punch cutter above the top and bottom clamping assemblies for extracting and retaining a lid of the can, and a punch tip within the housing adapted to puncture a bottom of the can and dispense the remaining contents of the can. The can opening system is adapted to remove up to about 90% of contents of a can for materials having a viscosity up to about 250,000 Centipoise.