Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting particles from containers. The method comprises the steps of conducting high pressure air from a source thereof and into the containers to loosen the particles from the containers, and connecting the containers to a low pressure source to withdraw air and loose particles from containers. The apparatus comprises a source of pressurized air, and a high pressure line connected to that source to conduct the pressurized air to the containers to loosen the particles from the containers. The apparatus further comprises a low pressure source, and a low pressure line to connect the containers to the low pressure source to withdraw air and the particles from the containers. Preferably, in both the method and apparatus, the containers are moved beneath one or more caps that are used to generally close the tops of the containers, and each cap is connect to both the high and low pressure sources.