A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt.