A new approach to the solubilization of excess activated sludge by the inoculation of lactic acid bacteria was studied to reduce the amount of sludge produced in the activated sludge treatment process. Aerobic microorganism in sludge was lysed in anaerobic condition and the cytoplasmic substance eluted was utilized as a carbon source by lactic acid bacteria. On the basis of sludge solubilization efficiency, Lactobacillus brevis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp mesenteroides were selected the best candidates among five kinds of Lactobacillus sp. and seven kinds of Leuconostoc sp. The sludge solubilization efficiency by heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria was more efficient than that of homofermentative bacteria. Initial value of soluble COD (sCOD) was 1050 mg/L at the initial inoculation time increased to 3070 mg/L (192% solubilization) at 96 h of the incubation time. The inoculation of lactobacillus brevis to the sludge resulted in 2824% increase in sCOD value after 96 h of incubation than the control experiment. Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp mesenteroides showed 152% increase of solubilization and 30% increase of S-COD/T-COD on 96 h of incubation time. Considering the increase of S-COD by the inoculation of Leuconostoc sp. on 24 h, 10% inoculation of lactic acid bacteria to the sludge was most effective.