Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a resiliently compressible material from an air stream is the subject of the present invention. By utilizing a screw conveyor within a cyclone separator, the material is first separated and then removed. As a result of compaction, removal from the separator is facilitated and subsequent handling is made practical as a result of the increased density. The screw conveyor is provided with flights of increasing size to conform generally to the configuration of the cyclone separator. Baffle plates on the cyclone itself tend to scrape the material off the screw conveyor. The invention also contemplates passing the compacted material through an air lock and into a pneumatic conveying path. To this end, a multiple compartment air lock wheel is placed with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the screw conveyor for receiving material from the latter. Another feature of the invention is the use of novel screening means within the separator to filter the separated air stream.