A self cleaning apparatus for a belt conveyor. The self cleaning apparatus comprises a rotor positioned adjacent to an outer side edge of the return conveyor portion of the belt, and a rotor housing received about the rotor. The rotor housing has an intake and a discharge, with the intake receiving and directing material on the upper surface of the return conveyor portion to the rotor as the belt rotates. Rotation of the rotor causes the directed material to be propelled by the rotor through the discharge and to be deposited onto the upper surface of the loaded conveyor portion.