The deep oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) over I-I-type zeolites (H-Y and H-ZSM-5) was evaluated. Experiments were performed at conditions of lean hydrocarbon concentration (around 1000 ppmv) in dry air, between 200 and 550 degrees C in a conventional fixed-bed reactor. H-ZSM-5 zeolite resulted more active than H-Y zeolite in the decomposition of both chlorinated volatile organic compounds. It was established that Bronsted acidity plays an important role in controlling the catalytic behaviour of the H-type zeolites. DCE was completely decomposed at 400 degrees C, whereas TCE required higher temperatures (550 degrees C). Vinyl chloride was identified as an intermediate in the DCE oxidation in the range of 250-400 degrees C. When vinyl chloride is destroyed at higher temperatures, both zeolite catalysts show a high selectivity (>90%) towards HCl formation. Trace amounts of tetrachloroethylene were detected in the TCE oxidation, which peaked at 500 degrees C. CO was promoted in quantity in the destruction of both DCE and TCE reflecting the difficulty of carbon monoxide oxidation over H-type zeolites. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.