System and method for food waste decomposition

A machine for food waste processing, comprising:

• a power supply;
• a control system coupled to the power supply;
• a mixing drum defining a mixing chamber and having a volumetric capacity of 2000 litres or less;
• a mixing shaft having mixing blades extending from the mixing shaft, the mixing shaft being configured to rotate to move the mixing blades within the mixing chamber;
• an ioniser coupled to the power supply and arranged to provide a source of air that is rich in reactive oxygen species;
• a heater and a fan coupled to the power supply and arranged to receive the source of air, the heater and fan cooperating to provide a source of heated gas rich in ionised oxygen to the mixing chamber, wherein the heated gas is between about 50 and about 70 degrees C. and/or wherein the environment in the processing drum is heated to a temperature in the range of 50 to 70 degrees C.;
• a motor arranged to draw power from the power supply and to drive rotation of the mixing shaft;
• wherein the mixing drum defines an input aperture to receive food waste and an outlet to disgorge processed waste residue;
• wherein the control system is configured to operate the motor to drive the mixing shaft for multiple hours while monitoring operating parameters of the machine in order to produce a processed waste residue, wherein the residue comprises or consists essentially of substantially dried particulate.