A composting assisting apparatus comprising a support frame (24) rotatably supporting a plurality of helically aligned and individually inclined blades (22) arranged on two parallel drums so as to be rotated about an axis transversely orientated to a forward direction when the support frame (24) is forwardly advancing, means (15 and 16) to introduce water into waste at locations where the waste will be airborne from the effect of the blades (22), rotational drive means arranged to rotate the blades (22) when the support frame (24) is being caused to be moved forwardly altogether such that waste engaged by the blades will be caused to be both broken up, aerated and directed toward a centre location as the support frame moves forwardly.