A manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. An outlet opening and a fitting are in fluid communication with a manifold volume within a housing. The fitting receives a suction line. A filter element with porous features is disposed within the housing such that a fluid communication path is established across the filter element. The porous features trap material entrained within the fluid. A material collection volume is at least partially distal to and below a bottom of the filter element. As the fluid and the material is drawn through the fluid communication path, the material collects within the material collection volume. A flow diverter may be positioned within the housing for directing the material towards the material collection volume. The material collection volume may be at least partially defined by a tissue trap removably coupled to the housing.