A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes at least one tube through which waste is drawn into a manifold cage. The tube extends through an inlet port into a void space internal to the manifold cage at an angle. The tube exits the manifold cage and centered along an axis that is off center to the longitudinal axis of the manifold cage where it engages a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the tube engages the valve and rotation of the manifold moves the valve to the open position allowing fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.