Material containing organic substances including rubber, plastic, and lacquer is heated in a vacuum process chamber at subatmospheric pressure in a nonreactive atmosphere to a temperature of at least 200.degree. C., the gases and vapors thus formed are condensed in a condensate separator, and the condensate is captured and made available for reuse or disposal. The embrittled residues formed from these substances are crushed and the crushed residues are collected and made available for recycling or disposal. If metals are contained in the material, the residues are loosened, collected, and crushed. The process and the apparatus are suitable for recycling insulted wire, metal bonded to rubber, plastic containers decorated with pigments, motor vehicle steering wheels, workpiece hangers and tools coated with lacquer, poorly lacquered metal parts, tires and rubber pads of track-laying vehicles, and seals.