The invention provides a single-drive separating and discharging device and method for steel pipes. The single-drive separating and discharging device comprises a crankshaft, a bearing block, a motorreducer, a first support, a second support, a rack, a turning plate, a discharge arm and a roller way; the roller way is installed on a discharging side of the rack; the multiple steel pipes are placed on the rack; the first support and the second support are located between the rack and the roller way, and the first support and the second support are located on the same horizontal plane; the first support is connected with the turning plate, and the second support is connected with the discharge arm; the discharge arm is connected with the turning plate through a second connecting rod; and the crankshaft is arranged on the bearing block, the crankshaft is connected with the motor reducer, and the crankshaft is connected with the turning plate through a first connecting rod. According to the single-drive separating and discharging device, a separating device and a discharging device are integrated together so that the material separation and discharging functions of the steel pipes canbe realized through driving by one motor; and the separating and discharging device has the advantages that the number of driving devices is reduced, the structure is simple and reliable, cost is low, the efficiency is high, and the maintenance is convenient.