A method of producing organic acids such as gluconic acid from wastes such as garbage and waste materials at a high selectivity, a high speed and a high yield to thereby efficiently utilize the wastes as resources. In producing organic acids such as gluconic acid from wastes such as garbage and waste materials, an inorganic salt such as calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate is added to carry out a hydrothermal reaction. Thus, cellulose and glucose contained in the starting materials are selectively decomposed at a high speed and a high yield to thereby give organic acids such as gluconic acid. These organic acids thus produced are used as materials for biodegradable polymers.
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