Abstract: Method and apparatus for co-composting municipal refuse to reduce organic components in the refuse to useful soil additives. The apparatus includes a charger for receiving a quantity of refuse material and a labyrinth seal between the apparatus for charging and the inlet end of an elongated drum wherein the refuse material is held and mixed for decomposition. Sewage sludge is mixed with the refuse and the drum supports the mixture of refuse and sludge such that it decomposes while continuously and evenly moving from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum. A cylindrical screen assembly is fixed to the discharge end of the drum for separation of the composted materials from other components of the refuse.