Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating refuse by non-combustibly shrinking polyfoam plastics in the refuse. The trash is heated at a temperature between 250.degree. and 500.degree. for a minimum period of time. A rotatable chamber heats the refuse and transports the refuse for the minimum period of time. An operator controls the rate of rotation of the chamber and thus the time of heating in accordance with the moisture content of the refuse. A steam/air mixture used as a heat medium serves to kill bacteria in the refuse in addition to shrinking. and drying the refuse.