coal ashes

echos67 wrote:I fill holes throughout the yard, not sure about a garden but no problem growing grass in the holes I fill.

Damn, I never even thought of doing this in my hole filled yard. The damn septic contractor did a *censored* job on the entire project.

joeq wrote:Sounds popular, but as mentioned above, do you guys end up with a mess when the snow goes away, or any tracking of ashes into the house? Or is the amount so slight, it really doesn't affect it?

I also use it in the gravel driveway near the road. I avoid using it in the walkway areas because it will get tracked in the house. I always take off my boots, but the others in the house don't always do so.

Joe

if you are putting ashes on hard surfaces you will have alot more issues with mess and tracking into the home.

Sidewalks or paved driveways...

My opinion anyway....

You can buy large steel trashcans, made in America at tractor supply. I would also think any stores near farming communities would also sell metal horse or cattle troughs. I use the steel trashcans from tractor supply and then dump them out on my driveway but now that there is mention of putting it in the yard I think I might try that. I have some very uneven spots left by my septic contractors as well when they ran new header pipes. Just be aware that coal ash when wet can do some good damage to metal considering it creates sulphuric acid. I also might not use it on crops of any sort. Coal fly ash has trace amounts of inorganic arsenic . I have no idea of the levels or level of ash it would take to produce enough arsenic to effect the soil but just be aware. I would think that if you needed to bump the PH on your soil though that this might do it.

I am with Cap and others. I put them in construction strength trash bags and ship them out with the garbage. Don't forget that coal ash contains heavy metals and you might not want them hanging around and accumulating on your property. Some realtor or regulator might have a problem down the line.....

Smokeyja wrote:You can buy large steel trashcans, made in America at tractor supply. I would also think any stores near farming communities would also sell metal horse or cattle troughs. I use the steel trashcans from tractor supply and then dump them out on my driveway but now that there is mention of putting it in the yard I think I might try that. I have some very uneven spots left by my septic contractors as well when they ran new header pipes. Just be aware that coal ash when wet can do some good damage to metal considering it creates sulphuric acid. I also might not use it on crops of any sort. Coal fly ash has trace amounts of inorganic arsenic . I have no idea of the levels or level of ash it would take to produce enough arsenic to effect the soil but just be aware. I would think that if you needed to bump the PH on your soil though that this might do it.

Thats why I wondered if it may not be a good idea to put in driveways. Suppose that ash clings to the tires and is broadcast up into the fenders? Sulfuric acid and metal, couldn't that be detrimental to your car's body??

I've seen what it does to a stove pipe in a few months with no fire lol

Suppose that ash clings to the tires and is broadcast up into the fenders? Sulfuric acid and metal, couldn't that be detrimental to your car's body??

Ash should be dilute enough during inclimate weather but you have a very good point if ash on autos isn't dilute.

Ash should be dilute enough during inclimate weather but you have a very good point if ash on autos isn't dilute.

Countering alkaline Ca salts spread on the road to stop you slipping - hmmm - is this the cure for the NE winter car disease? Nothing bad has been revealed yet.

It can't be any worse than the crap they spread on the roads. Give your vehicles a thorough wash down in the spring and you should be fine.

Yea I don't think it's a big issue. I haven't seen any problems yet. I don't think the amount that would hit the car and then fly off would amount to much of anything. In rain it's too wet and diluted and in the dry it doesn't stick. Now ash sitting in something or on metal is where you would get issues.

Well, personally - I'm gonna choose not to help rot my vehicle.. The north east winters already attribute plenty for that cause. I'm gonna say that putting ash in the driveway so that it can form an acidy slop is NOT gonna help my vehicle's body maintain it's health. But, thats my own 2 cents worth.. Opinions may be opposed, results may vary - do so at your own risk

I put ash in trash metal can ( I have 2 of them). When one can is 1/2 full, I take it outside and re-bag it in the same bags I got the anthracite in. Takes just a few minutes to do so. After I put the ash bags in the ash bin to be pick up by the town servive.

Pretty clever Nort, recycling the original bags. I just used my new galvanized metal 20 gal. container for the 1st time this morning, and what a dusty cloud that rose to contaminate my lungs, as I held my breath to the point of unconsciousness. Usually, when I empty my ash pan, it's still hot, and dumping into a plastic bag would prove to be problematic, as they'ld burn through the bottom. But after they cool, the bags could prove useful. Just need to figure a way to load them without spilling the ash all over the floor/ground. I guess some type of holding fixture for the empty bag, and a home-made funnel is in order. Good tip.

I'd be careful with the galvie steel cans....any moisture and you will be getting new ones every season. I save what I need to winter's slippery spots and have a list of folks who come and get what they need when they anticipate an ice storm, or a big storm. Plow guys will ask for all they can get to mix with sand also. They love it!
My experience is that there is no better anti slip compound available and it does not corrode vehicles unless it were 6 " deep on the roadway. It easily is washed off the driveway during the spring rains, and is not particularly messy. If you walk in it and bring it into the house, shame on you. You should know better. I would not put it on your gardens, however many do. The rebagging for disposal is a PITA. Handle the ash as few times as you can. It goes without saying that hot ash should be cooled before disposal.

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