Eco-friendly reuse of coal ash

Coal ash has a number of useful, eco-friendly applications.

• It is used to manufacture cement, concrete, asphalt and other building materials, to refill surface mines, and to create structurally sound foundations for roads, embankments and pavements.
• Adding ash with lime to building materials yields a product that is stronger and more durable. Coal ash can be used to refill surface mines. It can create stable foundations for constructing new roads, embankments and pavements. Because it can serve as a substitute for mined materials used in manufacturing, coal ash can reduce the need for virgin land to be mined. EPA notes that reusing coal ash as a substitute for Portland cement can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Coal ash can be substituted for a portion of the cement in making concrete, and can be used as a mineral filler in cement products, grouts, brick manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, fiberglass production, production of roofing granules, etc., reducing the need to mine these raw materials and lessening the demand to open new mines that disturb the land and destroy wildlife habitats.