In this study, ferrochromium slag (FS) and electric-arc furnace dust (EAFD) samples were examined for their hazardous hexavalent chromium content mainly by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. According to the experimental results, magnesium-silicate constitutes the main framework of both FS and EAFD samples. Highly crystalline FS contains 3.11%Cr2O3 as spinel phases while this constituent is much higher, 15.44%, in EAFD. The general XPS spectra show that both samples mainly consist of O, Mg and Si elements. In addition, FS also includes aluminum while carbon, calcium and potassium are the other major elements for EAFD. The peaks appeared in the range of 577-589 eV confirm chromium content of the samples. Besides, the peaks appeared at 1022 and 1045 eV point out zinc content of EAFD. Based on the XPS atomic ratio, Cr contents of FS and EAFD were obtained as 0.505 and 0.987%, respectively while EAFD further contains 2.594% Zn. The detailed XPS analysis indicates that chromium exists as two oxidation states, trivalent and hexavalent forms at 2p orbitals. Specifically, for 2p3/2 orbitals, trivalent and hexavalent chromium were assigned at 577.1 and 579.2 eV, respectively whereas 586.9 and 588.9 eV for 2p1/2 orbitals. Furthermore, the corresponding intensities of these peaks are much higher for EAFD. By comparing the peak intensities, the relative proportions of Cr (VI) were calculated as 49.44 and 49.53% for FS and EAFD, respectively. The leaching tests show that solubilities of all the metals examined except Cr are far below the toxicity limits for hazardous waste and even below the ranges of non-hazardous waste. Specifically, chromium contents of the filtrates were determined as 0.862 and 268.050 mg/l for FS and EAFD, respectively. Considering the toxicity limits of chromium, EAFD can be surely labeled as a highly hazardous waste whereas, on the other hand, FS is within the limits of non-hazardous waste. In conclusion, it can be said that the hazardous hexavalent chromium content must be reduced to immobile trivalent forms for the dust sample prior to disposed in landfills.