An apparatus for conducting single-pass filtration of ink waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a filter connected to a housing unit and a plurality of absorbent layers within the housing unit, wherein the plurality of absorbent layers are in any order and include: a layer for removing metal and polar compounds, a layer for removing non-polar color impurities, a layer for removing acid functional components, a layer for removing additives with polar or protic functional groups, and a layer for removing residual water. A process and a system that include or utilize the apparatus are also disclosed.