Abstract: Apparatus and process for compressing moisture containing material including a pair of opposed rolls for receiving and advancing the material therebetween to apply rolling load thereto to compress the material and remove at least a portion of said moisture therefrom, and differential means for causing one of said rolls to rotate at a lower speed than the rolling speed of the other of the rolls, the differential rolling speeds developing friction between the rolls causing the rolls to be heated and apply heat to said material to further remove moisture therefrom, to cause the compressed material to adhere to the one roll and to cause the removed moisture to adhere to the other roll, also alone and in combination, apparatus and process of decomposing organic material such as animal biomass by the action of aerobic microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, including introducing the organic material into a container having an end adapted to receive the organic material and an output end adapted to discharge the o

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the biological treatment of sewage, which envisages the use of raw cellulosic materials brought into contact with the fouled water in the presence of cellulose-devouring micro-organisms, and is centered particularly on separation of the sewage's nitrogen and phosphorus content.

Abstract: An aerobic digestor for rapidly and efficiently composting waste vegetation and the like has a rotatable drum mounted on a horizontal transverse axis at the midpoint of the length on a frame spacing it above the ground a distance sufficient for rotation; a fixed end of the drum mounts a perforate tube coaxially in the drum between the ends and holes in the fixed end and the removable end of the drum admit air for composting to the perforate tube through adjustable shutters; material being composted in the drum receives air through the tube perforations and may be end-for-ended periodically with the drum at which time the shutter on the end being lowered may be closed to force air up through the dropping charge of waste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a product from which compost can be suitably produced and which contains sludge obtained from a sewage purification process, in which method the sludge is mixed in a fluid state with a finely-divided carbon-carrier selected from the group sawdust, peat and bark, and with polyelectrolyte, and is then mechanically dewatered to a dry substance content of at least about 28 percent by weight.

Abstract: Compost is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating waste, particularly household waste, by means of composting. The waste is collected in a generally known fashion into the collecting bowl (1), wherefrom they are immediately moved on the spiral conveyor (21) into the mixing drum (5), which is set into rotating motion by means of the actuator (12). Inside the mixing drum (5) there is arranged an amount of such medium substance which is formed of separate plastic or steel bullets, onto the surface whereof the waste sticks during mixing. In connection to the mixing drum (5) there is arranged the discharge space (9), which is provided with separator means (10) for separating the composted waste or soil. The compost soil is continuously moved out of the discharge space (9) and further into a bag or the equivalent. A partial feedback of the soil is arranged from the discharge space (9) back into the collecting bowl.

Abstract: An environmentally acceptable disposal site has at least one vapor break extending through a pile of synthetic fuel tailings, spent catalyst, spent ore, and/or other waste material. The vapor breaks can be permeable seams or columns of porous rocky overburden and/or a pneumatic pipeline. Circulation of air through the vapor breaks can be enhanced by air blowers, fans, or other force air inducers. The top and sides of the pile are covered with top soil and vegetated with trees, shrubbery, and grass to minimize erosion and blowing of the tailings as well as to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The tailings preferably comprise spent oil shale which has been combusted, cooled, and moisturized. Desirably, the disposal site is built and operated in conjunction with a surface retort, combustor, heat recovery unit (cooler), and associated equipment.

Abstract: A method for fermentation of a stockbreeding waste, especially fowl droppings which comprises mixing the stockbreeding waste, synthesized wollastonite and concentrated sulfuric acid to condense and granulate the mixture, adjusting the resultant granules to pH 6.0-7.85, water content of 65-78.5% and a temperature of 25.degree.-35.degree. C. and spontaneously fermenting the granules at a place not influenced by rainfalls is disclosed. The product obtained by the present method is usable as fertilizer, a soil quality-improving material, a material for seed microorganisms, etc.

Abstract: A soil amendment matter is provided which is effective for preventing soils from suffering from injuries due to continuous cropping. This matter is obtained by adding a soil to a medium containing 2-oxo-4-methyl-6-ureidohexahydropyrimidine (OMPU) as nutrient and subjecting the mixture to an aerobic cultivation treatment. Further the matter can contain OMUP as an additional effective component. These matters can be adsorbed on an adsorbent and used.

Abstract: In the mesophile production of biogas, the temperature of the liquid used during anaerobic, methanogenic, fermentation is raised to the required temperature (about 35.degree. C.) by aerobically prefermenting solid substrate at substantially ambient temperature and of appropriate moisture content to raise its temperature to a temperature greater than that required for the anaerobic, methanogenic, fermentation. Thereafter flooding the fermenting solid substrate with the liquid at substantially ambient temperature to increase the temperature of the liquid by heat exchange, and then removing the liquid and storing it in a heat insulated environment to reduce the moisture content of the solid substrate to a suitable degree. The above steps of aerobic prefermenting and flooding are repeated until the liquid has reached the required temperature, and then leaving the liquid in situ to enable anaerobic methanogenic fermentation to take place.

Abstract: A new method for preparation of organic compost by incorporating zeolite into excretions from domestic animals. In the method, zeolite of about 10 to 30% relative to the total weight of excretions is homogeneously mixed and then piled for a predetermined period so that the water content of a surface portion of the pile of the mixture decreases to about 25% by weight or less, and the average water content of the entire pile decreases to about 55% by weight or less. The piled mixture is then supplied to a fermentation vessel in which it is scooped and turned over such that a high water content portion inside the low water content surface portion is divided into small masses and the low water content surface portion is divided into fine powders, so that the fine powders are spread around the small masses to thereby achieve effective aerobic fermentation in the vessel.

Abstract: A plant consisting of modular elements for reducing organic wastes by degrading them by means of earth worms, comprising a tank for organic wastes, arranged outside the plant assembly, an inclined main screw feeder for lifting the materials onto work stations and discharging them onto horizontal screw-feeders arranged at any work station, the horizontal feeders conveying the materials to horizontal conveyers which discharge them into modular containers arranged on the work stations, whereby, at the end of the transformation, the material is discharged through hoppers onto conveyors arranged at the plant base and conveyed to storage containers.

Abstract: To reduce the accumulation of undesirable solid material within an anaerobic digester, new slurry for digesting is injected into the digester at locations extending across the horizontal width at one end, parallel to a zone of floating solids in a concentration of solid material between ten and twelve percent, with a momentum of at least 0.1 pound-foot per second. Liquid is taken out of the digester across a trough extending across the width of the digester. Bubbles are broken above the liquid level of the digester by a sieve or surfactant or combination of the two.

Abstract: A permanent underground compost aeration system enables forward and reverse circulation of air through a compost pile by a single non-reversible blower and air pipe dampering arrangement. Adequate oxygenization of an entire compost pile is assured. Outside air in varying amounts can be introduced into the aeration system during its operation to provide fine control of oxygenation. A complete underground moisture drainage arrangement for the aeration system is provided to prevent flooding of the system. The aeration system is compatible with computer controls for air volume, temperature and moisture content. A pair of parallel elongated main header pipes are connected with two groups of smaller apertured air distribution pipes extending in opposite directions at right angles to the header pipes. All pipes of the aeration system have bottom moisture drain openings.

Abstract: The bioconverter includes a collecting vessel having a plurality of stirring shafts rotatably mounted therein, each of which is driven by a separate electric motor. Adjacent shafts operate in opposite directions and stirring arms are oriented relative to each shaft moving the carrier mixture within the vessel which is in close proximity to a shaft in opposite directions along adjacent shafts. A moisture sensing device is adapted to be located below the level of the carrier mixture within the vessel for sensing the percentage moisture content of the mixture and waste material added thereto. A first fan is provided for exhausting the air from the vessel and a second fan is provided for moving the air over the surface of the mixture within the vessel. A first heating coil is located on the bottom of the vessel for heating the mixture within the vessel, and a second heating coil is provided adjacent the second fan for heating the air which is blown over the upper surface of the mixture within the vessel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing compost and composting compositions having a high nitrogen content and being particularly advantageous for use as fertilizers, said process utilizing petroleum sludge and an organic biomass which preferably contains wood industry residue and organic waste products.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for composting a relatively large quantity of organic materials with a relatively small agitator adapted to travel in a zig-zag path in a generally rectangular heaping zone where the organic materials are piled in a layer.

Abstract: A method for the processing of fecal waste by treatment with mineral clay, characterized in that:A. a smectite clay, enriched with aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, specific for the digestion of fecal waste, and with plant preparations which promote the increase of said microorganisms, and lime, is allowed to digest the fecal waste; andB. an acid phosphate is added to the fecal waste treated in this manner, after addition of the enriched smectite clay and shortly before use of the treated waste as a fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention is a method for composting sludge to a useable state. The method of the system eliminates the usual objectionable odors. The method consists of a thorough mixing of the sludge with carbonaceous material, layering the mixture in a silo and moving it through the silo on a timed interval basis, forcing air through the mixture in the silo to promote the composting action by an aerobic bacteria process, periodically withdrawing the treated material in a manner compatible with the timed interval basis, further layering the composted material in a second silo having a forced air means to complete the treatment process, and withdrawing the final treated material for packaged or for bulk distribution to users.

Abstract: A process for aerobic composting or drying of organic waste materials in a composting bin and apparatus for carrying out the process. The composting bin is formed by one or more elongate composting passageway chambers which can be aerated or vented and heated. Each chamber encloses in sequence an intake zone, shaping zone, reaction zone, and discharge or transfer zone. Material is fed loosely through an opening into the intake zone in successive substantially equal portions or charges. A clearing element at the intake end of the chamber intermittently pushes each successive portion through the shaping zone, against the preceding portion, and through the reaction zone of the chamber. Residence time in the compost bin is sufficient for complete composting or other purposes before discharge or transfer. In the case of a bin with two or more chambers the chambers are arranged at different levels one below the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerobically thermophilically processing organic waste material utilizes a series of movable process cars which enhance the environment for thermophillic bacteria growth. The process cars are designed to receive material at a first location and discharge it at a second location after maintaining the material for a predetermined time and promoting it decomposition.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing compost having a high nutrient value from a mixture of moist, at least partially particulate organic matter containing aerobic bacteria. The composter has two parallel shafts (24,26) with radially projecting fingers (38) which, when the shafts are rotated, slowly and gently churn and agitate the mixture in the composting chamber (10) while air is directed therethrough at a predetermined low rate. When the composting action is completed the compost is promptly dried and packaged in moisture impervious containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for economical and efficient composting. The apparatus includes a manifold with lances coupled thereto for even fluid distribution throughout the compost. The manifold is designed to direct fluid flow to a portion of the lances while simultaneously removing fluid flow from the other portion of lances. This creates substantially uniform patterns of fluid injection and evacuation for uniform composting, reduced energy requirements and greater control of process conditions. Further, reversal of the fluid flow enhances control of process conditions and adds an automatic self cleaning aspect to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for composting a relatively large quantity of organic materials with a relatively small agitator adapted to travel in zig-zag path in a generally rectangular heaping zone where the organic materials are piled in a layer.

Abstract: Self-propelled windrowing apparatus having a forward material treatment housing carrying an elevating structure formed as a drum carrying a plurality of pivotal flails. The flails serve to shred and aerate biodegradable waste and elevate it to a collection auger which manipulates the elevated material to a transfer conveyor mounted within the chassis of the apparatus. The transfer conveyor moves the material to a pivotal windrowing conveyor mounted rearwardly of the apparatus which serves to form symmetrical windrow piles of material.

Abstract: A method for composting decaying material by first treating the material to produce a decayable carbon/nitrogen ratio and continuously and countercurrently aerating the decaying material in a first step to produce a biologically active material and then introducing the biologically active material to a second step wherein it is discontinuously aerated at controlled intervals. The process produces a hygienically unobjectionable humus material in a continuous and industrially efficient manner.

Abstract: A process for aerobic composting or drying of organic waste materials in a composting bin and apparatus for carrying out the process. The composting bin is formed by one or more elongate composting passageway chambers which can be aerated or vented and heated. Each chamber encloses in sequence an intake zone, shaping zone, reaction zone, and discharge or transfer zone. Material is fed loosely through an opening into the intake zone in successive substantially equal portions or charges. A clearing element at the intake end of the chamber intermittently pushes each successive portion through the shaping zone, against the preceding portion, and through the reaction zone of the chamber. Residence time in the compost bin is sufficient for complete composting or other purposes before discharge or transfer. In the case of a bin with two or more chambers the chambers are arranged at different levels one below the other.

Abstract: In a method of continuously composting material capable of being composted by the action of aerobic microorganisms in a reactor, the material is caused to pass through the reactor as a single mass from the top thereof to the bottom thereof from an upper level in said reactor, and in which oxygen-containing gas required for the aerobic decomposition of the compostable material is passed through said single mass in contact therewith. The waste gas from the composting process is removed from the reactor by suction through pipes which extend down into the mass to be composted from the upper level thereof, with the openings of said pipes lying on a level located beneath said upper level in said reactor.

Abstract: The invention is a controlled system for composting sludge to a useable state. The method of the system eliminates the usual objectionable odors. The system consists of a thorough mixing of the sludge with carbonaceous material, layering the mixture in a silo and moving it through the silo on a timed interval basis, forcing air through the mixture in the silo to promote the composting action by an aerobic bacteria process, periodically withdrawing the treated material in a manner compatible with the timed interval basis, further layering the composted material in a second silo having a forced air means to complete the treatment process, and withdrawing the final treated material for packaged or for bulk distribution to users.

Abstract: An apparatus for composting materials suitable for composting such as kitchen refuse or municipal refuse, in which rotary agitator units are provided above a plurality of horizontal floors, respectively so that the agitator units themselves are rotated simultaneously when the material such as kitchen refuse is charged onto the uppermost stage of the horizontal floors, the agitator units and said horizontal floors also being rotated relative to each other during which the charged material is agitated and moved on the horizontal floors, and the material is allowed to fall successively onto the floor below thereby effecting the composting operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic container for holding organic matter during decomposition of the organic matter. The container includes a lower section. The lower section includes a plurality of flat sides positioned in a substantially vertical attitude. The flat sides are joined at opposite edges to form a closed figure having an open bottom. An upper section is mounted on the lower section. The upper section includes a number of flat sides equal in number to the flat sides in the lower section. The flat sides of the upper section are positioned in a substantially vertical attitude and joined at opposite ends to form a closed figure. Each of the flat sides of the upper section is connected to a respective flat side of a lower section. Each of the flat sides of the upper and lower sections has a rectangular outline. Each flat side has a bead along a vertical edge and an elongated socket formed integral with the opposite vertical edge.

Abstract: A biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container wherein, by the application of environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foetida, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution.

Abstract: An improved waterless toilet for aerobic biological transformation of organic waste material is disclosed. The toilet is located at a position remote from a compartment wherein waste material is aerobically transformed. The toilet is connected to the compartment by a conduit. Organic waste is deposited into the toilet and a subsequently applied vacuum aids in the transporting of the waste material through the conduit to the compartment. Prior to depositing organic waste material into the toilet, a cup-shaped paper wrapping means is inserted into the toilet. Thereafter the vacuum is applied to the paper wrapping means and waste material to cause the paper wrapping to close around the waste material as it enters the conduit. Utilizing paper wrapping means, the toilet is protected from soiling by the organic waste material when it is deposited in the toilet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deodorization of excrement by Lactobacillus strains in cultivation of said strains with S-, N- or C-compounds which are odoriferous components of said excrement and/or certain amino acids.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a high grade fertilizer from pressing residues obtained from wine and fruit juice production is disclosed wherein the residues are first stored under anaerobic conditions and are then loosely mixed with air to produce a mass which then undergoes intense aerobic degradation to produce heat, carbon dioxide, moisture and a finely divided high quality fertilizer. Apparatuses for carrying out this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sewage and converting the sewage into organic fertilizer which utilizes equipment for converting the solid material of the sewage into patties and a mixing apparatus for mixing the patties with bulking agents. The mixture of patties and bulking agents is stored in a pile and subjected to a supply of air to enhance the self-combustion or oxidation of the organic material in the patties. The bulking agents provide the patty-bulking agent mixture with air passages and pockets and minimize compaction of the patties. The self-combustion of the patties continues until the organic material is burned out, leaving a residual ash. A shaker separator having an elongated longitudinal perforated member is reciprocated to separate the ash from the bulking agents. The ash is collected and utilized as organic fertilizer. The bulking agents are recycled back to the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural inoculant composition used as a seed, plant, foilar spray, field spray, and compost inoculant. The agricultural inoculant composition includes both a peat humus base composition having predetermined quantities of peat moss, leather meal, granite meal, Calcium Phosphate, tobacco meal, animal manure, kelp, greensand, liquid seaweed, and bacterial inoculant. Additionally, a liquid seaweed base composition is mixed with the peat humus base composition and the liquid seaweed base composition includes a combination of liquid seaweed, carbohydrates and polysaccharides, vitamins, as well as liquid alfalfa. The agricultural inoculant has been found to increase both the quality and yield of various types of plant products when such is used either as a seed or plant inoculant.

Abstract: A cellulosic medium for growing mushrooms is disclosed. A liquid mixture containing sources of soluble carbon and nitrogen is fermented and mixed with cellulosic material. The so-treated cellulosic material is held at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow substantial reduction of organisms damaging to mushroom culture. The cellulosic material then is cooled to a temperature suitable for spawning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing compost material on a storage surface in which a layer of material is produced from strips which are placed with their longitudinal edges adjacent one another and wherein at least one additional layer of compost material is placed on the adjacent strips. In the course of depositing the layers of compost material, hard substances are removed therefrom. The compost material is deposited by a rake-type conveyor member which is capable of being raised and lowered. An aerating device can be provided to loosen the compost material and a pressing device can be provided to produce compact units from the compost material. An aerating system including aerating lances which are movable into and from the compost material can be provided.

Abstract: Composition for stimulation of aerobic bacteria in sewage or in soil from combination of B vitamins and an agent derived from digestion of milch cow excrement; and method of treating sewage or soil to stimulate the growth of aerobic bacteria to improve the condition of sewage for disposal or availability of soil nutrients for plant growth by addition of the composition to sewage or soil.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel process of composting refuse or refuse/sewage-sludge mixtures by thermal retting by piling refuse to form a first layer of a predetermined height, maintaining an area below the first layer accessible to atmosphere, and retaining the same under atmospheric conditions for a predetermined period of time until the same has solidified and become self-supporting through entanglement of the retted refuse, thereafter forming a second layer atop the first layer, maintaining the second layer under similar conditions for a similar predetermined period of time, and repeating such layering until a stack is formed, and thereafter removing the stack or portions thereof for further utilization only after the uppermost layer has become completely solidified and self-supporting through entanglement of its completely retted refuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the environment protection and, more specifically, to microbiological processes for recultivation of industrial refuse heaps.The process of the present invention involves treatment of the heaps with fertilizers resulting from purification of production-communal waste waters, followed by treatment with a humic preparation containing a culture of the mold fungus Aspergillus niger. Then plowing of the ground is effected with a subsequent sowing with seeds of perennial plants. The heap surface sown with said seeds is inoculated with a bacterial preparation containing a culture of ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria.During the period of the plant sprouting and tillering inoculation is effected by means of a bacterial preparation containing a culture of azotobacter and phosphate-dissolving bacteria. All these bacteria are recovered from said refuse heaps, wherefore they are already adapted thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing a fertilizer and decay promoting substance by subjecting grape marc to aerobic decay so that in a first phase, the sugar content is converted to alcohol and microbial fermentation produces organic acids. During the first phase, the alcohol and acids react to produce aromatic esters and a decay stabilized mass. In a second phase, the mass is rearranged to facilitate access of air and promote penetration of the mycelia of Humicola lanuginusa and thermophilic actinomycetes into the mass. In a third step, the mass is rearranged to effect microbial degradation of the mycelia and the mass is dried and the pip-containing fraction is separated. The thus obtained pips or seeds are infested with spores of the above-mentioned microorganisms and still contain their natural oil content and constitute an excellent high-grade fertilizer and aerobic decay promoting agent for the decay of vegetable and animal waste materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a fertilizer and decay promoting substance by subjecting grape marc to aerobic decay so that in a first phase, the sugar content is converted to alcohol and bacterial fermentation produces organic acids. During the first phase, the alcohol and acids react to produce aromatic esters and a decay stabilized mass. In a second phase, the mass is rearranged to facilitate access of air and promote penetration of the mycelia of a thermophilic actinomycete into the mass. In a third step, the mass is rearranged to effect microbial degradation by the actinomycete mycelia and the mass is dried and the pip-containing fraction is separated. The thus obtained pips or seeds are infested with mycelia and still contain their natural oil content and constitute an excellent high-grade fertilizer and aerobic decay promoting agent for the decay of vegetable and animal waste materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing inorganic acid-forming constituents from a gas stream contaminated therewith (e.g. high sulfur coal effluent). Such removal is accomplished by passing the gas stream through an active composting biodegradable organic waste held under thermophilic bacteria-phase digestion conditions. Also disclosed is a comprehensive composting treatment site which desirably employs a windrowing composting technique and is suitably adapted to be operated with the gas stream scrubbing process disclosed herein.

Abstract: An airtight chamber insulated with an anti-corrosive coating allows the control of the heat and moisture content of organic wastes for rapid aerobic decomposition by naturally occurring thermal bacteria. Air is drawn into the chamber, over and through the organic waste and carbonaceous filler materials and is exhausted through an air scrubber. Agitation of the waste mixture is by means of two or more anti-corrosive coated stirrers on a rotating shaft; the rotation rate being two revolutions or less per minute to accelerate the biological decomposition process and 35 or more revolutions per minute to fluff and dry the material after the completion of the biological process. During the drying process the air direction is reversed by means of a blower and a controlled heating element to speed drying. Utilization of the blower and heating element also helps to initiate the biological decomposition activity in cold temperatures.

Abstract: Sludge is composted by arranging the sludge in a pile over a conduit and air is forced into the pile in spaced time intervals and air is drawn from the pile into the conduit in alternate time intervals.The perforated conduits are adapted to be placed under and extend the length of two windrow compost piles. A reversible blower is connected to blow air to and withdraw air from each of the conduits. The blower is timed and controlled to blow air from a first pile through the conduits and into a second pile in spaced time intervals and in alternate time intervals to withdraw air from the second pile through the conduits and into the first pile.

Abstract: A device for composting refuse and sewage slurry, consisting of a rotating drum supporting substantially horizontally with a fixed front wall through which refuse and sewage slurry are fed to the drum, and a fixed rear wall through which the mixture in the drum may be extracted. Means are provided enabling air or another gas containing oxygen, to be passed through the drum either from the front to rear or vice versa. The gas flow is adjustable by regulators in the pipelines taking air to and from the drum. The pipeline supplying air to the drum may be connected to a blower, and means may be provided for regulating the temperature in the drum, and for the complete or partial return of air sucked out of the drum to the drum.

Abstract: A method for composting solid waste material wherein, in initial treatment stages an optimum particle size is developed at a comminution station. Following an initial air classification arrangement, heavy inorganic materials are segregated to the extent that aluminum, glass and paper characterized products are removed for recycling purposes. A characterizing feature of the invention resides in the development of an optimized moisture content or digestible classified size optimized material at a relatively early stage prior to maceration developing a pulpous substance for digestion. A pug-mill arrangement is utilized for adding optimized moisture prior to digestion and maceration and a cage mill is utilized for the maceration stage of the process.