One of the main problems of EDTA based soil-washing technologies for remediation of heavy metals contaminated soils is the separation of EDTA-heavy metals complexes from the waste extractant. In our study an advanced oxidation process using ozone and UV was used for the decomposition of EDTA-Pb complexes in soil extractants obtained during leaching of Pb contaminated soil. Released Pb was removed by absorption. Twenty consecutive soil treatments with 2.5 mmol kg(-1) EDTA removed 58.4% of Pb and greatly reduced the Pb mobility and oral-availability. The waste extractant was colorless, with slightly basic pH and with low Pb and EDTA concentrations.