Mechanical biological treatment (MBT) of residual waste has been developed to optimise the recovery of resources from the residual solid waste stream (i.e. mixed waste stream after source separation of recyclables and organics) and to reduce the volume of and to stabilise the remaining biodegradable fraction of the residual waste stream. In doing so, the need for landfill space is substantially reduced and landfill emissions are minimised.

MBT comprises the mechanical processing of mixed waste materials and subsequently, the biological treatment phase that reduces the residual organic fraction in a controlled environment.

MBT technology can integrate a range of post collection and processing material separation mechanisms, including screens, magnets, blowers, crushers, eddy current separators to recover inert materials (such as ferrous metals) for reprocessing/recycling.