A large number of publications are available in the literature regarding olive mill wastewater treatment methods. However, none of the proposed methods can be considered as a best available method in terms of its effectiveness, and its environmental and economic impact. Using a literature survey, data were collected and evaluated in order for a sustainability and benchmarking analysis to be developed. Physicochemical, biological and advanced oxidation methods were evaluated and judged in terms of their effectiveness, environmental impact and cost. Effectiveness of each method was estimated in terms of COD and phenolic compounds reduction, environmental impact in terms of CO2 production, while for the economic impact the operational costs were taken into account. Finally, a procedure is suggested for selection of the most appropriate method based on user preferences (in terms of effectiveness, environmental impact and cost). The present analysis showed that the most effective processes in terms of organics reduction are membrane filtration, electrolysis, supercritical water oxidation and photo-Fenton. Lower environmental impact was found with anaerobic digestion, coagulation and lime processes, while the lowest cost category involves biocomposting and membrane filtration, thanks to the exploitation of byproducts (biocompost and phenolic compounds, respectively). (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry