Chitin sponges were obtained from shrimp residues using green chemistry procedures. Partial deproteinization was performed by grinding fresh residues with water during 30 s in a food blender obtaining 39.39% d.b. partial deproteinized cephalothorax (PDC). Protein reduction in this step was 80%, with 49% of mineral salts (measured as ashes), 97% fat, and 41% being chitin product. To separate chitin from PDC, a mixture of 8.75 mL MeOH, 16.25 mL water, and 25 g of CaCl2 was used (solvent MAC) per gram of PDC. Chitin dissolved in MAC under mechanical agitation to form a sponge, which had an overall composition of 42% chitin, 46% ashes, and 11% proteins. Chitin sponge weathering and biodegradation tests showed that during 30 days, the sponge is stable at ambient conditions in southern Mexico City environment, and when placed in compost-soil mixtures is degraded in about two weeks. These results open new possibilities to the recycling of crustacean residues. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.