An apparatus is provided for emptying containers, including first and second holding devices which are suitable for holding first and second regions of containers that are to be emptied, wherein the second region is a distance from the first region, including a movement device which suitable for moving the first holding device towards the second holding device to compress the container located between the first holding device and the second holding device, and including a withdrawal device which has a flow connection to the interior of the container and via which liquid located in the container can be withdrawn as a result of compression of the container, including a drive device for driving the movement device, and including a control device which controls the relative movement of one holding device relative to the other holding device as a function of an internal pressure inside the container.