NOVELTY - In-vessel composting apparatus comprising a shredder (120) feeding a horizontal drum with at least 3 chambers (210, 220, 230) with connecting ports of sequentially increasing diameter, through to a bulk collection container (400), is new.    USE - The apparatus is useful for reducing and in-vessel composting raw food waste and biodegradable eating utensils and trays, yard waste, and newspapers, in combination with associated organic packing materials (e.g. cardboard and paperboard containers) into bulk composting material and a liquid compost tea.    ADVANTAGE - The invention is affordable, simple to operate, and energy efficient. It reduces the volume and weight of the input materials, and processes a useful end product of commercial value. It produces a more consistent, higher quality, nutrient rich, end product.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Novel in-vessel composting apparatus comprising a rotatable horizontal drum with an input port and an output end having a larger axial discharge port, and a compost tea holding tank. The drum is divided in length by interior partitions into at least 3 chambers. An input hopper (110) is connected to a multi-toothed rotary shredder which is in turn connected to an auger (130) and chute assembly connected to the axial input port of the input end of the drum. The first chamber is configured with drainage holes about its circumference and a primary holding tank is configured with an overflow outlet discharging into the first chamber. The drum rests upon a base frame with supports and rollers. A motorized drum drive system comprising a motor and gearbox is attached to the base frame and coupled to the drum by at least 1 endless belt. A batch holding tank, percolation tank, pump, and timer are used for containing a batch volume of the excess fluid. Drainage inlets and outlets are distributed about the circumference of the final chamber and an exhaust fan (350) and duct are used for exchanging air in the drum for outside air.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a continuous process for the in-vessel composting of food waste comprising shredding and inserting the food waste, draining and collecting the excess fluid, holding a batch volume of the excess fluid at elevated temperature, percolating at a calibrated flow rate, and collecting resultant drainage of the compost tea.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a block diagram illustrating the in-vessel composting process flow.    Drive system (18)    Hopper (110)    Shredder (120)    Auger (130)    Chambers (210, 220, 230)    Operator station (310)    Controller (320)    Temperature sensor (330)    Oxygen sensor (340)    Fan (350)    Collection container (400)