The method for the heat treatment of waste includes introducing the waste by into a bag and placing the bag inside an apparatus for treating waste, the apparatus including a cylindrical barrel, a removable closure lid and a bottom moveable inside the barrel, at least in the direction of the lid. After the bag has been placed in the apparatus heat treatment of waste is carried out by raising the temperature of the lid and the bottom and by providing this lid and this bottom with a hold temperature. At least during the rise in temperature of the lid and the bottom, and before the hold temperature is reached, this lid and this bottom are moved towards each other at least once. A temperature conferred on the lid differs by at most 2° C. from the temperature of the bottom.