Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous degradation of hazardous paint and organic solvent wastes. The apparatus includes a high performance fixed film bioreactor system into which is fed waters contaminated with paints or solvents from industrial operations and which utilizes the characteristic of either anaerobic or aerobic microorganisms growing on a fixed film for the degradation of these solvents and purification of contaminated waters. The bioreactor incorporates novel internal flow features which result in highly effective destruction of organic wastes in aqueous streams.