Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying waste matter such as sludge accumulated in a sewage treatment facility. The sludge is mixed with flocculating chemicals and thoroughly stirred. The mixture is then allowed to drain for a predetermined time in a porous-bottomed basin. A porous web preferably of braided wire which is movable across the basin floor carries the drained sludge to a pressing facility which squeezes the sludge between a pair of linear squeezing plates. As the web leaves the basin it is joined by a second web capturing the sludge therebetween for delivery to the pressing facility. The sludge may be air-blown in the pressing facility to achieve further dryness.The common guiding roll about which the two webs merge also serves as an end wall for the aforementioned basin.