This process is relatively safe and efficient.

The molten-carbonate oxidation (MCO) process shows promise as a means of safe disposal and/or recycling of solid waste. The MCO process is being developed for use in regenerative life-support systems in outer space, but may also prove useful in managing institutional, industrial, and/or municipal solid waste. The MCO process completely oxidizes wastes as diverse as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, feces, wheat straw, and cellulose. An MCO system can operate at atmospheric pressure without flames and without direct feed of fuel into the oxidation chamber — all important safety features.