Abstract: A process for aerobic composting or drying of organic waste materials in a composting bin and apparatus for carrying out the process. The composting bin is formed by one or more elongate composting passageway chambers which can be aerated or vented and heated. Each chamber encloses in sequence an intake zone, shaping zone, reaction zone, and discharge or transfer zone. Material is fed loosely through an opening into the intake zone in successive substantially equal portions or charges. A clearing element at the intake end of the chamber intermittently pushes each successive portion through the shaping zone, against the preceding portion, and through the reaction zone of the chamber. Residence time in the compost bin is sufficient for complete composting or other purposes before discharge or transfer. In the case of a bin with two or more chambers the chambers are arranged at different levels one below the other.

Abstract: A process for aerobic composting or drying of organic waste materials in a composting bin and apparatus for carrying out the process. The composting bin is formed by one or more elongate composting passageway chambers which can be aerated or vented and heated. Each chamber encloses in sequence an intake zone, shaping zone, reaction zone, and discharge or transfer zone. Material is fed loosely through an opening into the intake zone in successive substantially equal portions or charges. A clearing element at the intake end of the chamber intermittently pushes each successive portion through the shaping zone, against the preceding portion, and through the reaction zone of the chamber. Residence time in the compost bin is sufficient for complete composting or other purposes before discharge or transfer. In the case of a bin with two or more chambers the chambers are arranged at different levels one below the other.