This work supports the idea that composting can be useful for minimizing the rice straw and sewage sludge environmental impact. several physical, chemical and microbiological properties of these raw materials were analyzed. The characteristics of the rice straw were complementary to those of the sewage sludge for the application of composting. The ON ratios suitable for a rapid increased in microbial activity were the lowest (17-24). A temperature of 62 degreesC during 48 h removed pathogenic microorganisms from rice straw and sewage sludge mixture. The results obtained in the present work suggested that these materials could be use in the composting process. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.