Abstract: A method for removing oil from a physical object comprises the steps: i) bringing said physical object in contact with an oil removal composition, said oil removal composition comprising a) a surfactant having the general formula: R1-X—R2, wherein R1 is an open chain sugar alcohol, wherein X is one selected from NH, NCH3 and NCH2CH3, and wherein R2 is an aliphatic or aromatic group comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, and b) water, ii) leaving said oil removal composition in contact with said physical object for a period of time sufficient for most of said oil to be dispersed in said oil removal composition, High recovery of oil/bitumen from tar sands can be achieved. The composition is renewable, degradable and inexpensive. An extremely efficient de-greater is provided. The composition used in both bitumen recovery and degreasing is easily reusable and recycleable. The starting materials of the surfactant are renewable and inexpensive. The composition is non-toxic and biodegradable.