An apparatus for automatically opening and emptying a carton for reuse by folding the outer flaps of the carton away from the opening into the carton as the carton moves linearly in a first direction, folding the inner flaps of the carton away from the opening in the carton as the carton moves linearly in a second direction and separating the carton from the contents while the contents continue to move in a second direction. Upon separation, the carton is automatically transported to a remote location for reuse.