In this work, we have developed a simple and efficient approach to the degradation of organic dyes using ethylenediamine-CuCl2 complex as the catalyst under basic conditions. Rhodamine B has been used as model compound and all experiments were carried out at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature (25 +/- 1 degrees C) under open-wide system. The different pH values from 7.0 to 14.0 and the catalyst recycling were investigated. The results indicated that ethylenediamine-CuCl2 was an effective catalyst in the degradation of Rhodamine B at pH 7.0-12.0. It would provide a useful insight into the development of new routes in organic wastewater treatment. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.