Abstract: A system and method for recovering oil/water compositions from waterways and wetlands and for separating oil and water from one another. The system includes a plurality of polymeric sorbent articles for collection of oil/water compositions from waterways or wetlands. A centrifuge treatment system having a centrifuge housing, a cover and a rotatable basket is configured for receiving the plurality polymer sorbent articles containing oil/water compositions for removal of oil/water compositions therefrom. Fluids extracted from the sorbent materials are collected in a collection tank in flow communication with an annular area of the centrifuge. A centrifugal oil/water separation unit is provided for essentially continuous separation of oil and water from one another with an efficiency of at least 97%. The system optionally includes a polishing unit for treatment of the water to provide substantially hydrocarbon free water.