This study focused on the heavy metal content waste resulting from the production of an anis-type beverage. Although natural ingredients were used in the production process, the waste contains heavy metals and is considered hazardous. Several metals were found in the waste (Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd), with concentrations of Fe to 157.5, Cu to 82.5, Zn to 31 and Ni to 8.5 mg/l. To collect information on the source of these metals, the residues of the herbs used for flavoring were examined for processes employing metallic and non-metallic pot stills. Herbs distillation residues were found to contain metals in non-metallic stills, e.g. aniseed residues from glass stills contained Cu up to 1.02 and Ni up to 0.9 mg/l. Fennel residues contained Ni up to 1.2 and Zn up to 6.6 mg/l. The main source for the metals was the bronze pot stills. The metals were in complexed form in the solution. The existence of metals in the amorphous phase as shown by a SEM micrograph indicates forming of metal-organic complexes, also verified by HPLC. Complexation data can be used for selecting the proper wash treatment method. The formation of large molecules favors precipitation and chemi-sorption treatment methods. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.