The present invention concerns a method for removing organic contaminants from a terrestrial environment, such as soil. The method involves contacting the contaminated soil with a solid polymeric material having an affinity for a target organic contaminant, without the need to add any liquid to the soil to form a slurry and/or without the need for the soil to have a high moisture content. Preferably, the organic contaminants absorbed into the polymer materials are removed from the polymer and the polymer reused.