a method and apparatus for molding plastic containers and the like , and for removing unwanted flash material therefrom . in the molding step , the unwanted dome portion of a container is molded to have a conveyor engaging groove therein , and the unwanted tail flash portion is molded to have a weakened line area at the point of attachment to the bottom of the container . after ejection from the mold , the container is conveyed to a tail removal device that grips and tears the tail along the weakened line area by a downward and rearward force . the container is conveyed to a dome removal device that engages the groove in the dome , moves the dome against a cutting edge , and rotates the container to effectuate a complete removal of the dome . the tail and dome removal operations are performed quickly and cleanly immediately after ejection of the containers from the mold while the plastic is still hot and pliable .