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From Ash to High-Performance Material

Ashcrete Technologies transforms freshly generated Waste-to-Energy (WTE) ash —typically a wet slurry—into a safe, high-performance material immediately after it exits the plant.

What We Do

  • Instant Stabilization: Our proprietary process chemically binds moisture and fine particles on contact, eliminating leachate and dust emissions.
  • Metal Recovery: Valuable ferrous and non-ferrous metals are extracted for reuse—advancing circular economy goals.
  • Complete Transformation: Treated ash is combined with nano-composites and specialty binders to form a new engineered material that cures in under 24 hours. No ash remains—chemically or physically.

Why It Matters

  • No leachate. No dust. No residual waste.
  • No long-distance transport — system is mobile and scalable.
  • No environmental liability — fully encapsulated, stable material.
  • CO₂ capture potential — supports climate and waste goals.

Real-World Applications

Ashcrete’s transformed material can be used in:

Specialized Solutions: CO₂ mineralization, radiation shielding, emergency pads.

Civil Infrastructure: Road base, sidewalks, foundations, modular blocks, sound barriers.

Environmental Remediation: Sealing abandoned wells, riverbank stabilization, landfill capping.

Public Works: Bike paths, stormwater systems, flood barriers.

Industrial Uses: Rail underlay, warehouse floors, fireproof walls.

Ashcrete Blocks

CO2 Capture and Permanent Storage

Globally, there are over 2,500 thermal Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants, collectively emitting more than 280 million tons of CO₂ every year—a significant environmental challenge. But this global issue also opens the door to a transformative solution: by capturing and permanently storing CO₂ in the ash byproduct of incineration, the WTE sector can move toward carbon neutrality.

Our technology not only enables the secure storage of CO₂ within the ash, but also transforms the ash into Super Green Concrete—a high-performance material that eliminates the need for landfill disposal and continues to absorb CO₂ from other sources.

This innovation turns a major waste and emissions problem into a powerful climate solution—redefining Waste-to-Energy as a truly green technology and a vital engine of the circular economy worldwide.

Ash Ceases to Exist and Transform into a New Material Ash Ion Migration

The below table shows the migration of elements, in yellow raw ash elements, in green XRF elemental analysis of Ashcrete (Composite concrete-like material made with MSW I. Ash).

Scientific Validation

Scientific Validation Statement

This Ashcrete test confirms that ash has been chemically and structurally transformed into a new material. The final material no longer resembles incineration ash and is instead a high-performance cementitious product. Ash, as a waste material, ceases to exist.

This transformation is backed by elemental analysis and quantitative results that show the formation of new dominant phases. High calcium and iron content, along with minimized residual toxic elements, validate the stabilization and valorization process inherent in the Ashcrete technology.

The core of our innovation lies in a true material transformation—not just stabilization or encapsulation. Through our proprietary process, Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) ash—either Fly Ash, Bottom Ash, or Combined Ash—is subjected to a series of physicochemical treatments that alter its atomic structure and elemental composition, resulting in a new material with no resemblance, chemically or physically, to its original ash form.

How the Transformation Happens

  • Chemical Activation and Acid Treatment: The ash undergoes a controlled acid treatment that breaks down unstable metal compounds, dissolves soluble phases, and initiates surface-level reactions. This disrupts the original matrix of the ash and allows us to selectively release and remove or convert hazardous components.
  • Nanocomposite Integration and Rebuilding: Next, engineered nanocomposites and reactive agents are introduced. These materials interact with the liberated elements in the ash to form entirely new mineral phases—crystalline or amorphous—via chemical bonding. This step creates new compounds that are stable, non-leachable.
  • Atomic-Level Rearrangement: Rather than trapping ash particles inside a binder (as in traditional stabilization or solidification), we rearrange atoms and reconstruct the material’s internal structure. Former ash-derived phases are replaced by silicate-based or geopolymer-like networks, depending on the ash type and input mix.
  • Permanent Immobilization of Heavy Metals: Toxic elements such as Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr are no longer free or loosely bonded. Instead, they are chemically bound within stable crystalline or glassy matrices, which prevent their leaching—even under extreme conditions.
  • Final Composite Formation (Ashcrete): The end product, Ashcrete, is chemically, structurally, and environmentally a new material. Its elemental fingerprint—as verified through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing—is significantly different from that of the untreated ash.

Evidence from XRF Testing

Raw Bottom Ash shows high levels of:

  • Chlorides
  • Sulfates
  • Alkali metals (Na, K)
  • Free lime (CaO)
  • Heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, etc.)

After treatment and transformation into Ashcrete, XRF tests reveal:

  • A disappearance or major reduction in problematic elements (e.g., Cl, S, Pb, Zn).
  • A new distribution of silicon, calcium, aluminum, and iron—indicating the formation of new silicate or aluminosilicate compounds.
  • A completely different oxide profile—proving that the original ash is no longer present in its former chemical state.

TCLP Leaching Test

Key Scientific Findings

Non-Hazardous Classification
All leached metal concentrations are below the U.S. EPA regulatory limits under 40 CFR 261.24. The Ashcrete sample is not classified as hazardous waste.

Immobilization of Toxic Elements
Toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are chemically stabilized and not leaching, indicating successful encapsulation within the ashcrete matrix.

Transformation of Ash
This result supports the conclusion that MSWI ash, once incorporated into ashcrete, is chemically transformed and no longer behaves as waste ash.

EPA-Standard Procedure
The test followed U.S. EPA-approved methods (TCLP 1311 and 6020), making the results reliable for regulatory and compliance use globally.

Quality Control Validated
QC data confirms accurate measurements, with most recovery values between 89% and 120%, within accepted limits for analytical precision.

Scientific Validation Conclusion

This TCLP test provides scientific evidence that ashcrete is a safe, stable, and non-leaching material.
It validates that MSWI ash, once treated and incorporated, is transformed into a permanently bound construction material that poses no leaching risk and meets international environmental safety standards.

Services/About Us

Research and Pro bono Consulting

We started our journey with a vision to improve the well-being of humanity and secure a brighter future for our children.  Since 2010, we have been conducting research on the beneficial uses of hazardous waste incineration ash, CO2 capture technologies, and the storage of CO2 in ash.

Thanks to the collaboration and support of various governments, universities, and scientists worldwide, we have successfully transformed municipal solid waste incineration ash into a valuable resource for infrastructure development.  It’s worth noting that all our research has been self-funded, and we have not received any financial support from any government, entity, or individual.

If you are researching any beneficial uses of ash, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Joane Duque Ph.D. Owner/Research Leader

Landfill and Ash Monofill MSW I. Ash Recycling

Various countries around the world have adopted different methods for storing MSW I. Ash, with some opting to store only Bottom Ash in monofills while treating and storing Fly Ash separately in landfills. Others have combined the two types of ash and stored them together in monofills (USA), while some countries store MSW I. Ash alongside other non-incinerable materials in landfills due to space constraints.

At Ashcrete Technology, we have developed a recycling process that can transform any type of Ash from landfills or monofills into useful structures that can be employed in a variety of projects, such as land reclamation, sea barriers, roads, bridges, and barriers.

Ash Landfill Characterization

Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration is a widely used method for waste management that aims to reduce the volume of waste that is sent to landfills. However, the ash produced from the incineration process is still a significant environmental concern that requires proper disposal. MSW incineration ash monofills have been utilized as a means of disposing of the ash, but the environmental risks associated with their use necessitate proper characterization.

Characterizing an MSW incineration ash monofill is important to understand the potential environmental impacts that may arise from its operation. The characterization process involves gathering data on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ash monofill, which can help to identify potential hazards such as leaching of contaminants into the environment, air pollution from volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, and potential damage to soil and vegetation.

In addition to environmental risks, there are also potential health risks associated with MSW incineration ash monofills. Some of the contaminants present in the ash can be harmful to human health if they are released into the environment or if people come into direct contact with them. Therefore, characterizing an MSW incineration ash monofill is essential to ensure that the landfill is managed properly, and any risks to the environment and human health are minimized.

Other types of Ash Recycle

1. Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Ash

  • Bottom Ash: Heavy, coarse residue left at the bottom of the furnace.
  • Fly Ash: Fine, toxic dust captured from flue gases using filters or scrubbers.
  • Combined Ash: A mixture of bottom and fly ash when collected together.

2. Hazardous Waste Incineration Ash

  • Contains concentrated toxic metals, dioxins, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
  • Requires specialized containment or treatment.

3. Medical Waste Incineration Ash

  • Can contain biologically and chemically hazardous materials.
  • Often classified as infectious or cytotoxic ash requiring strict disposal or treatment.

4. Industrial Waste Incineration Ash

  • Highly variable composition depending on the source industry.
  • May contain metals, solvents, polymers, and other synthetic compounds.

5. Sewage Sludge Incineration Ash

  • Ash from incinerated sludge from wastewater treatment plants.
  • Rich in phosphorus and heavy metals.

6. Biomass Incineration Ash

  • Ash from burning organic materials (wood chips, agricultural residues).
  • Typically lower in toxicity, but can be high in potassium, calcium, or silica.

7. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Incineration Ash

  • Ash from incinerated construction debris, wood, plastics, insulation, etc.
  • Composition is highly heterogeneous and may include heavy metals, concrete residues.

♻️ Advanced Waste-to-Energy Ash Types by Technology

8. Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Combustion Ash

  • Fine ash from incinerating shredded and pre-treated waste (plastics, paper, textiles).
  • Ash is generally finer and more homogeneous than MSWI ash.

9. Fluidized Bed Combustion Ash

  • Ash from waste burned in a bed of sand/limestone at ~750–900°C.
  • Typically fine, highly reactive ash with potential pozzolanic properties.
  • Contains sulfur compounds from desulfurization reactions.

10. Gasification Ash / Slag

  • Residue from high-temperature, low-oxygen gasification (800–1500°C).
  • Often forms vitrified slag: glassy, inert, non-leachable material.
  • Minimal ash depending on efficiency and feedstock.

11. Pyrolysis Ash / Biochar / Char

  • Char residue after heating waste in the absence of oxygen (~400–800°C).
  • Composition depends heavily on feedstock and process temperature.
  • Can be carbon-rich or mineral-dense.

12. Plasma Arc Gasification Slag

  • Vitrified slag formed from extreme thermal breakdown of waste (up to 7000°C).
  • Highly inert, glass-like, and often non-hazardous.
  • Minimal ash, ideal for encapsulation or construction reuse.

13. Autothermal Thermolysis Residues

  • Solid residues (ash or carbon-rich material) produced in self-sustaining thermal systems.
  • Emerging technology; ash characterization varies.