Chlorinated organic compounds from the aqueous waste streams from a process for manufacturing and isomerizing dichlorobutenes and dehydrochorinating 3,4-dichlorobutene-1 to chloroprene, which is the principal monomer in the manufacture of neoprene rubber, are removed by means of a process, wherein the aqueous waste from the dichlorobutene-isomerization step and brine formed in the dehydrochlorination step are combined to produce an aqueous solution containing about 1-5% sodium chloride and the solution, while maintained at a pH of less than about 6, is extracted with a small amount of a liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon extract is then incinerated, while the extracted aqueous solution is discharged into a natural body of water. In this way, the level of 1,4-dichlorobutene-2, which is toxic to fish, in the natural body of water can be maintained at a safe level.