A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat and destroy
organic waste materials. The materials are introduced into an apparatus
containing an electrolyte having the oxidized form of one or more redox
couples. The oxidized couples oxidize the organic waste materials and are
converted into their reduced form. The reduced forms are reoxidized by
electrochemical anodic oxidation in the anode compartment of an
electrochemical cell or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox
couples. The redox cycle continues until the desired degree of oxidation
is reached. The process takes place at temperatures between ambient and
approximately 100.degree. C., to avoid the formation of dioxins or
furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of reaction
enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.