(DE19613373-A1)      Treating domestic wastes comprises: (i) sieving off a fine fraction, and comminuting the residue to a particle size up to 180 mm, supplied e.g. for incineration; (ii) removing ferrous objects from the fine and residual fractions by magnetic separation; (iii) washing out and removing inert materials from the fine fraction; (iv) subjecting the phase freed of inerts to anaerobic treatment (3, 11), in which by hydrolysis and acid fermentation (3) metals, especially those heavy metals forming organic complexes, are dissolved out, being converted into a largely-ionised, water-soluble form; (v) separating the aqueous phase (4) containing the dissolved heavy metals from residual sludge, and precipitating the heavy metals (6); and (vi) supplying the residual sludge to a stage of methanisation (11) from which the remaining sludge (13) is composted.    USE -   Used for the treatment of domestic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   This method treats the domestic waste producing a harmless aqueous effluent, decomposing the organic matter and concentrating the heavy metal content for disposal. The latter operation is achieved with the aid of acids produced naturally during fermentation or digestion, at the same time evolving biogas. A comminuted fraction of waste is sent for incineration. Residual sludge is used in brick or tile manufacture. The method is more environmentally-friendly than direct landfill, used formerly. The fractions handled, are further discussed in the text.    (EP799811-B1)      Treating domestic wastes comprises: (i) sieving off a fine fraction, and comminuting the residue to a particle size up to 180 mm, supplied e.g. for incineration; (ii) removing ferrous objects from the fine and residual fractions by magnetic separation; (iii) washing out and removing inert materials from the fine fraction; (iv) subjecting the phase freed of inerts to anaerobic treatment (3, 11), in which by hydrolysis and acid fermentation (3) metals, especially those heavy metals forming organic complexes, are dissolved out, being converted into a largely-ionised, water-soluble form; (v) separating the aqueous phase (4) containing the dissolved heavy metals from residual sludge, and precipitating the heavy metals (6); and (vi) supplying the residual sludge to a stage of methanisation (11) from which the remaining sludge (13) is composted.    USE -   Used for the treatment of domestic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   This method treats the domestic waste producing a harmless aqueous effluent, decomposing the organic matter and concentrating the heavy metal content for disposal. The latter operation is achieved with the aid of acids produced naturally during fermentation or digestion, at the same time evolving biogas. A comminuted fraction of waste is sent for incineration. Residual sludge is used in brick or tile manufacture. The method is more environmentally-friendly than direct landfill, used formerly. The fractions handled, are further discussed in the text.