(WO9733845-A1)      In a quasi-continual process to compost biodegradable material, the refuse is first shredded before introduction to a revolving drum in which it is heated before being deposited on a compost pit, on a heap or rick.    The novelty is that:    (a) a portion of the composting material is removed from the drum, and is returned within the drum to the inlet zone where it is mixed with fresh incoming material, and    (b) the material leaving the shredder is subject to aerobic and/or anaerobic treatment before introduction to the drum.    USE -   The composting material returned to the drum inlet zone has a much enriched population of micro-organisms which is thoroughly mixed in with the incoming fresh material.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting process is accelerated.    (EP886630-A1)      In a quasi-continual process to compost biodegradable material, the refuse is first shredded before introduction to a revolving drum in which it is heated before being deposited on a compost pit, on a heap or rick.    The novelty is that:    (a) a portion of the composting material is removed from the drum, and is returned within the drum to the inlet zone where it is mixed with fresh incoming material, and    (b) the material leaving the shredder is subject to aerobic and/or anaerobic treatment before introduction to the drum.    USE -   The composting material returned to the drum inlet zone has a much enriched population of micro-organisms which is thoroughly mixed in with the incoming fresh material.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting process is accelerated.    (JP2000506118-W)      In a quasi-continual process to compost biodegradable material, the refuse is first shredded before introduction to a revolving drum in which it is heated before being deposited on a compost pit, on a heap or rick.    The novelty is that:    (a) a portion of the composting material is removed from the drum, and is returned within the drum to the inlet zone where it is mixed with fresh incoming material, and    (b) the material leaving the shredder is subject to aerobic and/or anaerobic treatment before introduction to the drum.    USE -   The composting material returned to the drum inlet zone has a much enriched population of micro-organisms which is thoroughly mixed in with the incoming fresh material.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting process is accelerated.    (EP886630-B1)      In a quasi-continual process to compost biodegradable material, the refuse is first shredded before introduction to a revolving drum in which it is heated before being deposited on a compost pit, on a heap or rick.    The novelty is that:    (a) a portion of the composting material is removed from the drum, and is returned within the drum to the inlet zone where it is mixed with fresh incoming material, and    (b) the material leaving the shredder is subject to aerobic and/or anaerobic treatment before introduction to the drum.    USE -   The composting material returned to the drum inlet zone has a much enriched population of micro-organisms which is thoroughly mixed in with the incoming fresh material.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting process is accelerated.