The microwave sterilization chamber (10) is made in the shape of a downwardly open bell which can be sealed by a base structure (6, 19, 20) which carries means (5) for gripping and rotating the canister (1) filled with waste, which can be moved by suitable means from a low position for the filling and discharge of the canister (1) to a raised position for the closure of said chamber and for the insertion of the full canister (1) into the chamber, each canister being provided with means by which it can be removably supported by said means of gripping and rotating the sterilization chamber (10), and can be gripped by the manipulating means (SM) which transfer said canister between the different operating stations of the machine.
