Methods to remediate a contaminated material are provided. In one embodiment, a biocatalyst that digests hydrocarbon contaminants is activated with a nutrient and the activated biocatalyst is combined with the contaminated material and water to form a mixture. The mixture is incubated for a period of time, and the level of contaminant in the mixture is determined to ascertain whether to incubate further, add additional biocatalyst mix, or provide the remediated material for further processing. In one embodiment, the remediated material is provided for reuse or recycling with a second material, such as a construction aggregate. The method is particularly suited for remediation of drill cuttings, mine tailings, hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, and the like.