Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing cement utilizing crushed refuse. The method comprises a first step of preparing a homogeneous powder mixture from a majority of crushed refuse substantially free of metal constituents and a minority of at least one first mineral material containing calcium oxide in the free or combined state. In a second step, the powder mixture is granulated under pressure. A third step comprises heat treating the granules at a temperature between 130.degree. C. and 230.degree. C. for a length of time sufficient to bring the water content of the granules to between about 0.1 and 1.0% by weight. The third step produces a refuse product. A fourth step comprises mixing the refuse product with a first starting mixture and firing the resulting clinker mixture in a kiln, producing a clinker. In the last step, gypsum is added to the clinker and the resulting cement mixture is crushed.