Coal burning produces an ash that is unsuitable for general placement in landfills due to the high concentration of many metals. Fly ash, as it is commonly know, contains high concentrations of mercury and selenium. These metals pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Fly ash is usually brought to specialized facilities that can properly manage this waste. Continued coal burning will result in the continued need for fly ash disposal. Many residents are hesitant to have fly ash landfills located in their areas.
Disposal of fly ash in hazardous waste landfills could cost from $100 million to $800 million annually, depending on the location of the landfills in proximity to the origin of the ash.