A device for collecting items from a container comprises a collection unit, a conduit, a vacuum producing unit and a controller. The conduit is in fluid communication with the collection unit and is mountable to the container so as to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The vacuum producing unit produces a vacuum within the conduit. The controller is linked to the vacuum producing unit and is configured to acquire data regarding the contents of the container. When the controller receives data regarding the contents of the container it controls the vacuum producing unit to modulate the vacuum produced within the conduit thereby suctioning the items within the container when mounted thereto into the collection unit. The container can be a transit fare box for receiving items tendered for fare. The data regarding the contents of the container can be the volume of items within the container.