Abstract: Waste materials containing pathogenic microorganisms may be processed by a method that includes granulating the waste material; treating the granulated waste material by heating at a temperature of about 160.degree. to about 200.degree. C. at a pressure of about 90 to about 226 psi in an atmosphere of the steam from a non-isotonic salt solution. The treatment is conducted for a period of time sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of pathogenic microorganisms present in the waste material. After treatment, the material is separated into useful solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite product from an intake material incorporating commercial, municipal or industrial waste containing organic, plastic and fibrous material includes first granulating and sizing the material. The material is then heated in three consecutive phases, first at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 215.degree. to 250.degree. F., then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 250.degree. to 320.degree. F. and then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 320.degree. to 400.degree. F., wherein said material is continuously mixed during said heat phases. The material may then be co-extruded with a reinforcement structure and forced into vacuum profile dies to form a product or compression molded to form a product and cooled.