Acid tar is a resinous substance, which in most cases has a viscous structure. They are obtained as a result of sulfuric acid purification of petroleum distillates, oil residues, in the production of sulfonate additives, in the sulfonation and purification of oils, paraffins, kerosene and gas oil fractions and other petroleum products from aromatic hydrocarbons. Until recently, this type of waste was temporarily accumulated in specially designated areas - acid tar storage ponds, which were located near the oil refinery, which had a significant impact on the environment. The paper considers the process of formation of acid tar on the example of the production of sulfonate additives. The composition of the mixture of acid tar and sulfonate sludge was evaluated, and the hazard class of this type of waste was determined. Methods of utilization of acid tar are studied and a method of utilization of acid tar for the considered production is proposed.