Municipal waste separator

A method for screening debris from a stream of debris-laden municipal wastewater, wherein the method comprising:

• forming a puddle of debris-laden wastewater on an upper surface of an inclined screening belt having a plurality of apertures through which a substantial portion of the wastewater passes, wherein said puddle creates a head of fluid sufficient to assist in forcing wastewater through the apertures in the screening belt;
• moving the inclined screening belt in a continuous path around an upper roller and a lower roller so that debris deposited on the inclined screening belt is conveyed up to an over the upper roller;
• and
• passing debris which falls from the screening belt through a debris discharge outlet.

A municipal waste separator comprising:

• an inlet configured to receive debris-laden wastewater;
• an inclined screening belt which passes over an upper roller and a lower roller, wherein said screening belt has a plurality of apertures through which a substantial portion of the wastewater passes, and wherein said screening belt conveys over the upper roller debris which does not pass through the apertures;
• and
• an inclined press belt which passes continuously over a drive roller and an idler roller,
• wherein said press belt has a plurality of apertures through which excess water passes, and wherein said press belt receives said debris conveyed by the screening belt;
• and a press roller which squeeze excess water from debris received on the press belt as the press belt conveys the debris toward the drive roller.