Abstract: A totally biodegradable oil absorption material is utilized to clean up oil spills on both land and water. Particles of coconut coir pith between about one-quarter of an inch and one inch in size are utilized for this purpose. The flakes or granules of coconut coir pith are spread upon the surface of the oil spill. The coconut coir pith readily absorbs the oil and remains in a form that can be easily recovered by scooping or raking. Once recovery is complete, the oil-saturated coconut coir pith can be subjected to squeezing by pressure to liberate the oil collected. Following extraction of the absorbed oil, the coconut coir pith can be reused for subsequent oil cleanup operations. Also, the oil extracted from the coconut coir pith is not contaminated and can be used as well. Coconut coir pith is a byproduct obtained from the husks of coconuts as those husks are processed to make fiber ropes and other articles.