An electrochemical cell is used to demonstrate a significant improvement in the recovery of bromine (Br-2) from waste gas-phase hydrogen bromide (HBr) streams. The continuous process operates at 300 degrees C and utilizes reticulated vitreous carbon gas-diffusion electrodes, a molten (Li0.575K0.133Cs0.292) Br electrolyte, and borosilicate glass fiber membrane. HBr is simultaneously electrolytically decomposed and separated into a hydrogen enriched waste stream and pure anhydrous Br-2 product stream. Simulated industrial waste streams containing HBr, nitrogen, water vapor, and organic compounds have been tested. These results include removals of greater than 90% and current densities approaching 1.0 A/cm(2).