The tar derived from the pyrolysis of four briquettes especially prepared for use in cokemaking was studied. The composition of the briquettes included biomass, coal and coal tar as binder. Bio-briquettes can be considered as an alternative ecological fuel and used as a source of energy. Pyrolysis was carried out in order to produce tars. This work studies the effect of adding a sawdust waste on the characteristics of pyrolysis tars. In addition, the tars obtained from bio-briquettes and from biomass-free briquettes were compared. It was found that biomass reduces the amount of sulfur. The aromaticity of bio-tars was found to be lower than that of the tars from the biomass-free briquettes. They therefore contribute less to carcinogenicity, but they have more oxygenated groups. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.