Apparatus and method for removing floating matter

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for removing floating matters, which automatically sense a water level using a water level sensor and allow a collection hopper to maintain a predetermined height from the water level and to automatically remove floating matters in a sedimentation bath of a wastewater treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant and the like. An apparatus for removing floating matters according to the present invention comprising: a moving body including a water level sensor sensing a water level and a collection hopper collecting floating matters to discharge the floating matters through a pipe conduit; a linear motor driving the moving body in a direction vertical to the water level; and a control unit receiving a water level sensing value from the water level sensor and driving the linear motor such that the collection hopper is located within a preset range from the water level when the water level is changed, comprises : a valve installed on the pipe conduit and opening or closing the pipe conduit; and a valve driving unit driving the valve such that the pipe conduit is opened or closed, wherein the control unit receives the water level sensing value from the water level sensor to control the valve driving unit, allows the valve to close the conduit when the water level is sensed to exceed a valve closing water level, and allows the valve to open the conduit when the water level is sensed not to exceed the valve closing water level.