An electrostatic precipitator for removing a particulate material includes a housing having an internally formed air path communicating between an inlet for drawing polluted air containing particulate material and an air outlet for emitting clean air purified by removing the particulate material, an air stream generator that generates an air stream, a discharging mechanism that charges the particulate material, and a collection device provided in the air stream to collect the particulate material which has been charged by the discharging mechanism. The collection device includes a collection belt including a flat wire belt defining a three-dimensional collection surface. The precipitator further includes a brush and vacuum assembly for removing the particulate material and reducing the risk of reentrainment in the air stream.