A process for destroying organic vapors in waste streams by oxidation in a packed-bed reactor containing a porous inert ceramic matrix. The operating temperature is 870 to 980ºC, at which temperature hydrocarbons are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, and chlorinated, fluorinated, or sulfonated hydrocarbons are converted to HCl, HF, or SO2, respectively. Quantities of carbon monoxide and NOx produced are minimal