Segregating food waste from “dry recyclables” such as packaging is an essential step that makes recycling much easier. GAIA food waste drying equipment transforms all types of wet food waste into a dry powder which is easily transported for in-vessel composting, anaerobic digestion or for use as a fuel. The dried material is easy to handle, benign and odourless. The equipment is automated and requires minimal operator input. Food waste is loaded into the hopper and the machine takes over. The dryer heats the food waste and water vapour is removed until it reaches a set of pre-programmed parameters. The dried food waste exits the machine into containers to await collection. Water vapour is condensed and discharged to the mains sewer. The small footprint of the machines means they are suitable for almost any location, with the smallest units taking up the space of just four 240 litre wheelie bins. Food collection frequency can be extended due to the benign stable nature of the processed food waste.