In order to obtain a nonflammable base of paints and varnishes, non-revertible wastes from the production of cellulose nitrates were recovered by chemical modification based on the transetherification reaction of functional groups of cellulose nitrate to a fragment of a propionic chlorohydride molecule. High molecular compounds, such as cellulose propyonyl nitrates, were obtained. The physico-chemical properties of the modifiers are mostly similar to the initial cellulose nitrates, except for the decrease in viscosity associated with the averaging of the molecular weight distribution. A decrease in the number of nitrate groups in cellulose propionyl nitrates due to their substitution by the propionyl residue of the chlorohydride molecule ensures a decrease in the flammability of the products. The obtained properties open up possibilities for the use of modifiers as a film-forming agent in the production of enamels with partial replacement of pure cellulose nitrate. During the pilot tests, an improvement in such a fundamental characteristic as opacity was revealed, which reduces the consumption of enamel and drying time, along with maintaining other characteristics at the level of GOST 4976-83. Also, the use of a less combustible enamel base makes it possible to increase the fire safety of paint production. The accumulation of waste in sludge accumulators or settling ponds poses a threat to the environment due to the emission of cellulose nitrates into the soil and atmospheric air, and the fire hazard of storing unstable energy systems. This approach makes it possible to reduce the volume of fire hazardous waste, which helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment, supports the principles of energy and resource conservation, and sustainable development in the large-scale chemical industry. In general, the use of modified cellulose nitrates opens up new horizons for environmentally friendly production and expands the possibilities of using secondary materials.