The method uses a vertical standing shaft furnace (2) in which the refuse is filled in its upper part. The shaft furnace has a grating (5) which supports the refuse. A fuel/oxygen or a fuel/oxygen/air mixture is provided underneath the grating. The upper half of the grating is cleaned by air of an oxide medium. The refuse together with the combustion deposits are burnt at a temperature of 1400 deg C to 1600 deg C.
