Abstract: A method of treatment of waste material includes the steps of mixing the waste material with binder and pelletizing the mixture. The pellets are then coated with a non-agglomerating material selected to permit firing of the mixture without pellet agglomeration at a temperature above 1300.degree. C. The coated pellets are fed to a kiln and fired at a temperature above 1300.degree. C. before being discharged from the kiln. At least some of the heat of firing the pellets is recovered and recycled to the kiln.