Abstract: A filter apparatus for separating particles of oil from waste water comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter element arranged therebetween. The filter element is in the form of a self-supporting body comprising small pieces of soft foamed plastic material having open cells. The foamed plastic material has been subjected to mechanical, non-disintegrating pressure shocks of a magnitude sufficient to rupture the cell walls. Thereafter the pieces are joined together under pressure by means of a bonding agent.