Abstract: A system for composting solid waste material wherein in initial treatment stages an optimum particle size is developed at a comminution station following which through an initial air classification arrangement, heavy inorganic materials are segregated to the extent that aluminum, glass and paper characterized products are removed for recycling purposes. A characterizing feature of the invention resides in the development of an optimized moisture content or digestible classified size optimized material at a relatively early stage prior to maceration developing a pulpous substance for digestion. A pug-mill arrangement is utilized for adding optimized moisture prior to digestion and maceration and a cage-mill is utilized for the maceration stage of the process.

Abstract: A process for treating wastes containing organic solids by composting wherein previously composted and/or otherwise partially dried organic material of the same or similar type is periodically mixed with additional wet material so as to obtain a mixture having an optimum moisture content such that natural aerobic decomposition takes place on a sustained basis.