Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating metallic conductor wire from its insulation for reclamation of the metal and secondarily the insulation material. Random-size, non-uniform masses and pieces of the insulated wire are conveyed to an entrance end of a shaftless rotatable drum having helically deployed baffles along the inner surface thereof. The masses and pieces introduced to the drum initially and continuously are exposed therein to cryogenic coolant to freeze the same and render them brittle. The baffles continuously turn the frozen masses and pieces to ensure that all surfaces and areas thereof are exposed to the coolant for thorough freezing. Simultaneously, the action of the baffles and drum move the masses and pieces from the entrance end to an exit end of the drum. The super-cooled brittle masses and pieces are delivered from the exit end to a grinding apparatus where the same are reduced to particles of metal and insulation material.