The preparation of zinc oxide from hot dip galvanizing waste was studied. The analysis results showed that the zinc content in dross sample was at 92%, which was two times higher than that in ash. By leaching zinc dross with 5% sulfuric acid at 45C for 6 hrs followed by pH-controlled precipitation, 99% of Pb and Fe in the dross were selectively removed. The amount of hydroxide ion used in zinc compound precipitation step had a strong influence on the properties of the products. By controlling the solution at pH 12, the precipitate of zinc oxide could be obtained from the purified leach solution, without a need to perform refluxing. The results revealed that the zinc oxide product consisted of Fe, Pb and Al at 0.01%, <0.005% and <0.03% respectively. Zinc oxide particles prepared by dissolving the zinc compound precipitate with 14%HCl had round shape with particle sizes of 50-100 nm while the flake-like shape particles with 100-400 nm diameter were obtained when the zinc compound was dissolved in 5%H2SO4. The results from antimicrobial activity tests indicated that 5% zinc oxide-filled silicone specimen had good inhibiting properties for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.