Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing waste that contains contaminants. The contaminants may be metals modified by carbon, oxygen, phosphorus, or sulfur. The waste in the form of a powder is mixed with an ionic reducing agent in an inert liquid medium. The mixture is melted to give a first liquid phase and a second metal phase. The two phases are separated and solidified to enable disposal or temporary storage of the first liquid phase and to enable recycling of the second metal phase. The method is useful for inerting or reclaiming waste containing metal contaminants.