Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid waste conversion plan for the conversion of such solid waste as old tires to a gas or liquid hydrocarbon product, wherein the partial pyrolysis of the solid waste is carried out in a reactor having a grate in the lower section and a plurality of rotating fingers extending through the grate for preventing compaction of the solid waste in the reactor. The reactor, a heat exchange means and a stripper are connected in series. A blower is positioned between the heat exchange means and stripper for drawing oxygen-containing gas into the reactor and removing the gases formed therein and passing those gases through the heat exchange means and into the stripper.