Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of particulate organic waste material, the apparatus comprising: a hopper means having flow control means for controlling flow rate of the waste material; a pyrolysis unit having (i) a heating means for heating the material, and (ii) a means in the form of a cascade of vanes for controlling rate of flow therethrough; means for removing gaseous products generated in the pyrolysis unit, the gaseous products being recycled; and residual treated waste material collection means.