the invention comprises a method of processing a waste stream containing dyes , such as a dye bath used in the textile industry . the invention comprises using an inorganic - based polymer , such as polyphosphazene , to separate dyes and / or other chemicals from the waste stream . membranes comprising polyphosphazene have the chemical and thermal stability to survive the harsh , high temperature environment of dye waste streams , and have been shown to completely separate dyes from the waste stream . several polyphosplhazene membranes having a variety of organic substituent have been shown effective in removing color from waste streams .