The aim of my thesis is to obtain knowledge of textile wastewater and textile sludge from an environmental perspective, which can be used as a basis for the  ”Sweden Textile Water Initiative” guidelines for a sustainable sludge management. In my study I have mainly focused on textile dyes, salts and metals and their routes during wastewater treatment.This paper is partly a literature review, which I began by identifying the pollutants discharged from each textile process. Then I studied wastewater and sludge quality, environmental aspects, possible treatment and recycling methods. I have also tried to find existing type of guidelines in order to make comparisons. My thesis has a broad perspective and includes in addition to "end-of-pipe" solutions also alternative methods such as treatment of partial flow or substitution of harmful chemicals. Another important part of this study is a qualitative survey of more than 20 textile mills. The results show the extent of awareness and control on effluent and sludge issues. The survey has revealed that major improvements are needed in sludge management. Finally, I have proposed sludge guidelines at three levels, which will hopefully be helpful for STWI in evaluating their suppliers and showing a way towards a more sustainable sludge management.