The extraction of Zn(II) with bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid, commonly known as CYANEX 272, in kerosene from aqueous sulphate, chloride and nitrate media was investigated. The extraction was found to increase with CYANEX 272 concentration, pH of the aqueous phase and ammonium sulphate concentrations. Stripping investigations using different stripping agents indicated that HCl and HNO3 are effective for stripping zinc. The experimental obtained capacity of CYANEX 272 was found to be 0.105 M Zn(II) per mole extractant after four stages. Results on the effect of temperature indicate that the Zn(II) extraction in the investigated system is exothermic. Based on benchscale results, a continuous counter-current extraction flowsheet was developed and tested using a 15-stage horizontal type mixer-settler for the recovery of Zn(II) from simulated and real industrial waste resulting from rayon industry. The extraction efficiencies of the used system are 97 and 94% for a simulated waste solution and real solution, respectively, whereas the stripping efficiency is 96% for both processes. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.