Pyrolytic decomposition of organic wastes

A method for decomposing spent ion exchange resins contaminated with metal ions, said method comprising the steps of:

• heating a first reaction vessel that contains a bed of inert beads to a first operating temperature;
• heating a second reaction vessel that contains a bed of inert beads to a second operating temperature;
• injecting steam and ion exchange resins into said first reaction vessel, said first reaction vessel having an output waste form;
• and
• injecting said output waste form of said first reaction vessel and steam into said second reaction vessel so that substantially all of said ion exchange resins are pyrolyzed and gasified and leave a metal oxide residue that includes said metal ions.

A method for processing radioactive wastes, said method comprising the steps of:

• heating a first and a second reaction vessel containing media to a temperature greater than approximately 425.degree. C. and less than approximately 800.degree. C.;
• injecting steam and oxygen into said first reaction vessel and injecting steam into said second reaction vessel at a speed sufficient to fluidize said bed of media;
• injecting said wastes into said first reaction vessel whereby said wastes are at least partially pyrolyzed and produce elutrients;
• filtering gaseous from solids contained in said elutrients of said first reaction vessel;
• injecting said solids into said second reaction vessel to completely pyrolyze and gasify said radioactive wastes.