The removal of hexavalent chromium from a synthetic solution and from an industrial sample by electrolysis using stainless steel plate and titanium mesh cathodes is studied. It is found that the process proceeds in two steps: (1) electroreduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in highly acidic medium and (2) electrochemical precipitation of trivalent chromium in an alkaline medium. A comparative study of electroreduction, electrochemical reduction and chemical reduction of hexavalent chromium is carried out and the electroreduction process is shown to be a clean technique. It is concluded that, in the absence of addition of any chemical as reducing agent, the Cr(III) solution formed on the reduction of Cr(VI) can be recycled in other industrial processes. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.