(EP841313-A2)      A plant- or bio-waste composter is novel in having a conveyor (5) transferring the material to a compactor (18), with a comminutor (20) comprising a cutter insert (21) and a perforated disc (24).    Pref. a pre-comminutor (39, 43) for large or long plant sections is provided at the entrance (17) of the compactor (18). The cutter insert and perforated disc are interchangeable, allowing different types to be inserted, to cope with materials of differing constitution. The edges of the perforations in the plate act against a pre-cutter. A second cutter behind the plate, works with the rear edges of the perforations. The perforations may be round, elliptical or slotted, with variable diameter or size.    USE -   To compost plant or other wastes. Examples include florists', park or garden waste, including branches.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit prepares a variety of plant- or bio-waste material, for rapid composting. Odour free, simple, reliable operation is claimed. It both compacts and size-reduces the material, breaking up the cells, assisting the biological processes. Pre-reduction assists, also preventing blockage of the equipment. The equipment is generously equipped with slow-moving cutters, and much more quiet in operation than a conventional shredder. Water expression improves the composting qualities of the material. The treated material may be loaded into containers for composting and/or transport.    (DE19721531-A1)      A plant- or bio-waste composter is novel in having a conveyor (5) transferring the material to a compactor (18), with a comminutor (20) comprising a cutter insert (21) and a perforated disc (24).    Pref. a pre-comminutor (39, 43) for large or long plant sections is provided at the entrance (17) of the compactor (18). The cutter insert and perforated disc are interchangeable, allowing different types to be inserted, to cope with materials of differing constitution. The edges of the perforations in the plate act against a pre-cutter. A second cutter behind the plate, works with the rear edges of the perforations. The perforations may be round, elliptical or slotted, with variable diameter or size.    USE -   To compost plant or other wastes. Examples include florists', park or garden waste, including branches.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit prepares a variety of plant- or bio-waste material, for rapid composting. Odour free, simple, reliable operation is claimed. It both compacts and size-reduces the material, breaking up the cells, assisting the biological processes. Pre-reduction assists, also preventing blockage of the equipment. The equipment is generously equipped with slow-moving cutters, and much more quiet in operation than a conventional shredder. Water expression improves the composting qualities of the material. The treated material may be loaded into containers for composting and/or transport.