Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating waste material contained in a heap in at least one separating zone, the heap largely comprising particles of the same shape, size and density, from which the waste particles differ. It also relates to apparatus for performing the method. The heap is fed onto an inclined conveying surface where it is vibrated and the waste particles are removed upwards and the remaining particles downwards, the vibrations being initiated at an angle to the horizontal which is larger than the inclined position of the conveying surface.