TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Process: The step of automatically adjusting is carried out for a period of greater than or equal to 3 days, after commencement of the composting process. The measured value of parameter(s) is fed as input into an active feedback regulatory computer program, which compares the measured value with the setpoint or setpoint range and automatically adjusts each parameter, until the measured value agrees with the setpoint or setpoint range. Reactant gas resulting from reaction of the oxygen containing gas with the waste material, is vented through the outlet or is recirculated back through the permeable base (18) for further reaction with the waste material. The circulation mechanism is positioned so that, in use, the oxygen containing gas passes from the space through the gas permeable base, and upwards through the waste material where it is used in the composting process. Adjustment of temperature is effected by continuously recirculating the reactant gas through the waste material, to increase temperature; and continuously introducing fresh oxygen containing gas through the inlet(s) (20), and venting the reactant gas through the outlet(s). Adjustment of oxygen concentration is effected by introducing fresh oxygen containing air through the inlet(s), to increase oxygen concentration. Preferred Component: The sensors include a temperature sensor and an oxygen sensor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Parameter: The height of the container does not exceed approximately 3 m. Preferred Component: The container includes side wall(s) (16) and a base, preferably the base is gas and liquid permeable. A space is provided below at least part of the base, preferably the space is formed by elevating the base with respect to ground level below the container. The composting device includes gas inlet(s) through which oxygen containing gas is admitted to the composting environment, and gas outlet(s). The oxygen containing gas is air, preferably admitted under pressure, such as by using an air compressor. The inlet and outlet are each closeable, preferably with a valve or a flap. The composting device includes a gas circulation mechanism, preferably comprising a fan, more preferably comprising a multi-speed fan, for circulating the oxygen containing gas through the waste material. A collecting mechanism is provided below the permeable base for collecting leachate. It includes an inclined surface, such that the leachate flows down the inclined surface under the influence of gravity, to an outlet through which the leachate may leave the container.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The closeable chamber is provided by a metal container (12), preferably made from aluminum or stainless steel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Parameter: The parameter(s) includes the temperature of the composting environment, and the predetermined setpoint range is 50-70, preferably 55-65degreesC. It includes the gas composition of the composting environment, preferably oxygen concentration. The oxygen concentration is greater than 10, preferably between 15-21%. The pressure of the composting environment is close to atmospheric pressure. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) in the waste material is 20:1-40:1, preferably 30:1. The average particle size of the waste material is less than 10, preferably less than 5 cm. The moisture content of the waste material is 10-70, preferably 15-35 wt.% water (H20). EXAMPLE - A waste composition of 16 wt.% chicken manure and 84 wt.% woodchips were mixed together, and placed into a composting device. The composting device was thermally insulated, and included a water reservoir downstream of the air compressor, to hydrate air entering the device. The temperature of the composting environment reached greater than 60degreesC, within the first 12 hours until feedback from the temperature probe reduced the temperature to close to the setpoint of 58degreesC. The thermophilic composting process lasted for five days. The resulting composted material appeared to be well blackened; and the entire process had minimal or no odor generation.