The paper analyzes the effectiveness of the use of carbon sorbents based on sawdust of various tree species in decontamination of fuel and lubricants. The advantages of using the sorption method as an effective, widespread, simple and affordable method for cleaning oil products are substantiated. Attention is focused on the quality of the sorbent material for the use of carbon sorbents from sawdust of various tree species. The structural, physico-chemical, absorption and sorption characteristics of carbon sorbents from vegetable raw materials are given and the effectiveness of their use for cleaning water and soil environments is shown. The ecological and economic advantages of cleaning the water and soil environment from oil products with carbon sorbents from plant raw materials, compared to other methods and means of cleaning, are revealed.