A machine for removal and extraction of a lid for containers includes: a centering element, for aligning the machine above the container; a gripping device for acting upon a contained lid, being capable of disengaging the lid from the container and holding the same lid; a first device for moving said gripping device along a vertical axis, between first and second positions, proximal to, and away from said centering element and a support structure, fixed to said centering element, for supporting said first device. The gripping device takes first and second operating configurations, wherein it does not act upon said lid, and wherein it does act upon a protruding portion of the lid. The centering element has an abutment portion to abut against an upper container edge, and to prevent the container from moving, without exerting any force upon said edge.