Abstract: A process for reducing solid waste includes the steps of (1) preparing the waste for shredding; (2) shredding the waste; (3) preparing the waste for anaerobic decomposition; (4) decomposing the waste anaerobically; (5) preparing the waste for aerobic decomposition; (6) decomposing the waste aerobically; (7) separating the inorganic waste from the organic waste; (8) reducing the plastic with solvents; and (9) reducing the metal with acids. The apparatus used in carrying out the above steps comprise a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates with central openings for waste to flow through is driven by a motor and directional vanes inside the container provide mixing and steer the waste. Fluid and gas are made to flow through a front support plate and seal bearing as the container rotates. Directional vanes rotationally journaled in the wall of the cylindrical container regulate the flow of waste through the chamber.

Abstract: A rotatable environmental chamber for reducing solid waste includes a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates for journaling the container each having a central opening. The seal bearings are pinned to the end caps and fit into counterbores in the support plates. Pipes in communication with the inside of the container are connected to holes in the front end cap and seal bearing. Holes in the front support plate are aligned with recessed areas in the seal bearing. Liquids and/or a gas can be introduced through the front support plate and seal bearing to the container through the pipes as the container rotates. Variable pitch vanes inside the container are used to mix and direct the flow of waste. Isolation valves are used to seal the container. The environmental chamber may be used in a process for anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of organic materials and for reducing plastic and metals to other compounds.