Abstract: A method and device for processing of polymeric waste which may be associated with elements such as non-polymeric material or metals. In a specific embodiment the method includes the steps of (1) loading preliminarily deformed waste into a reaction chamber, (2) applying an aggressive medium to the waste for a time sufficient to convert the one or more polymers to fragments, and separate one of more polymers from their associated elements, and (3) subjecting the products of step (2) to mechanical separation of the associated elements from the polymer fragments. The method and device is particularly useful for the processing of tires including preliminarily deformed tire segments or shredded tire waste.