The mechanism of Cu 2+ loading into commercially available natural HEU-type and synthetic LTA-type zeolites for their possible use in environmental processes, such as water and air treatment applications, was studied. Elemental analysis, SEM/EDXS, XRD, XAS and XPS analyses revealed 4-fold coordination of Cu 2+ cations with oxygen atoms in the pores, a predominant location of copper atoms on the surface of crystallites and retained crystallinity of zeolites throughout the processes. The post-treatment of Cu 2+ -loaded samples with HCl and/or NaCl solutions confirmed the predominantly reversible sorption of copper on zeolites from aqueous solutions by ion-exchange mechanism and, therefore, excellent regeneration possibilities for both types of zeolites. Furthermore, with the calcination of exhaust metal-loaded zeolites, catalysts for total toluene oxidation reaction, as a model VOC pollutant, were obtained.