Abstract: In a solid waste treatment system comprising an autoclave (201) not having a particulate filter at its outlet, a method of removing particulates suspended in steam discharged from the autoclave following processing of solid waste is disclosed. The method includes discharging steam from the autoclave; routing the steam to the inlet (301) of a separation vessel (209) that further includes an outlet (303) and a baffle (302) between the inlet and the outlet; and collecting particulates (304) that drop from suspension in the steam at the bottom of the separation vessel. The baffle is configured so that steam is incident upon the baffle to reduce its flow velocity.