A review of progress in the treatment of wastewater from slaughterhouses is presented. Significant progress iii issues such as nutrient removal and high-rate anaerobic treatment are highlighted. Nevertheless, few data concerning waste minimisation and source reduction in slaughterhouses, which offers the most cost-effective route to waste management in the industry, exist. The information presented enables a better understanding of the problems encountered with the effluent from the industry and common pitfalls with its treatment.