Sludge protein foaming solution was effectively decolorized and deodorized by gamma irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The existence of a synergetic effect on the decolorization and the deodorization was demonstrated by means of UV/vis spectrophotometry, chemical, and sensory analyses every 14 days during 98 days of storage. Furthermore, the foamability was measured using the Ross-Miles method. Results showed that color, odor, and foamability of irradiated samples under hydrogen peroxide oxidation were significantly improved. Sensory evaluation indicated that irradiated samples under hydrogen peroxide oxidation were better than nonirradiated samples in odor, and color. Finally, a preliminary cost analysis revealed that Co-60 gamma-ray/H2O2 process was more cost-effective than the H2O2 alone. (C) 2010 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.