Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method for recycling the packaging crates or cartons in which fruits and vegetables are normally shipped, together with any spoiled or rotten fruits, vegetables, meats and the like into reusable compost by first shredding or grinding the packaging material and thereafter combining such shredded packaging material with the organic waste, e.g. rotten fruits and/or vegetables and the like, which are also shredded to form a homogeneous mixture of a predetermined ratio, and conveying the same to a decomposition chamber where the mixture is further treated and aerated with recirculating air to decompose into a reusable compost.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing having a shredding station, a blending or mixing station, a receiving chamber for receiving boxes and/or crates in a shredded state, and a decomposition chamber for receiving a mixture of the shredded organic waste and the shredded carton material. A conveyor selectively directs either the crate waste in the shredded state from the shredding station to the receiving chamber or directs a mixture of shredded organic waste and the shredded crate material to the decomposition chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for recycling organic waste material into reusable compost. This is attained by shredding or grinding organic waste and mixing the ground waste into a homogeneous mass and conveying the homogeneous mass to a decomposition chamber where it is aerated with recirculating air to decompose into a reusable compost. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes a compact, self-contained housing having a component section and a decomposition chamber. The waste material is ground and mixed in the component section and then conveyed to the decomposition chamber by a conveyor which disperses the homogenous waste longitudinally and laterally within the decomposition chamber.