This seminar paper presents the main features of red mud and other residues from alumina production and their environmental impact. Red mud and the related waste base are two substances that are produced annually in large amounts and pose a threat to the environment if leakage or the spread of particles and droplets occur in the surrounding area and into rivers and therefore, they have to be safely disposed. The karst rivers are a very sensitive ecosystem and people should be careful with the construction of any factories in their vicinity as it can very easily cause pollution, which destroys resources of drinkable water and directly affects the lives of humans and organisms. The method of monitoring and remediation of the ecological catastrophe spill in 2010 in case of the Ajka alumina plant in Hungary is described and as well as the importance of a rapid response after this spill. The process of remediation of waste from the Jadral alumina plant near Obrovac in Croatia is also described. It lasted about 5 years, it was not completed until now with too high recovery costs, although there were other possible ways of remediation for the bauxite waste. Red mud is a substance that can do harm to the environment, but if properly handled, it can be very useful in protecting the environment. It is extremely important to develop a multidisciplinary approach in environmental protection, to carry out frequent controls and to respond quickly in case of an accident and if the remediation is necessary.