Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for separating and recovering the solid particle components of a waste aggregate using screening and air separation mechanisms. Such an aggregate could be log yard waste comprising soil, wood and mineral particles. The aggregate is first mechanically screened to produce a product of fine particles (the soil) and a plurality of sized streams, each comprised of similarly sized particles of different densities (the wood and mineral particles). The sized streams are then separately but simultaneously introduced into an air separation device which comprises an upstanding funnel-like member forming an upwardly converging passage through which air is flowing. The smallest sized stream of particles is fed into the passage at the lowest elevation, where a separation of light and heavier density particles occurs, light particles moving upwards with the air, heavier falling downwards.