The three-stage lab-scale rotating biological contactor obtained a successful result in food cannery industry wastewater treatment. A 93.7% COD removal efficiency was achieved at HRT of 40 h. The stage COD removal efficiency decreased with an increase of number of stages and about 88% organic compounds were removed in the first stage of aerobic RBC, indicating that a one-stage reactor may be sufficient in practical application. This aerobic RBC system was concluded as an effective process for treating high-strength organic wastewater under operating conditions of 11 rpm and 36% submergence level. One important point declared in this study was at submergence level of 23.7%, removal efficiency was increased due to activation of second and third compartments